OSKALOOSA — The Statesmen football team is expected to finish near the middle of the league standings this fall as the 2025 Heart of America Athletic Conference Coaches’ Polls were released Friday.

WPU, which was 4-7 (2-4 North) last year, is picked to place fourth out of seven teams in the North Division with 22 points.

Grand View heads the North with 36 points and six first-place votes, while Peru State is in the runner-up position with 28 points.  Graceland is also in front of the navy and gold with 25 points and the final first-place nod.

St. Ambrose (17), Culver-Stockton (12), and Clarke (7) conclude the poll.

Benedictine tops the South Division list with 35 points and five first-place nods.  Baker and MidAmerica Nazarene are also in the mix, tying for second with 29 points and one first-place vote each.

Missouri Baptist (21), Missouri Valley (16), Central Methodist (11), and William Woods (6) finish the South rating.

Champions from both divisions earn automatic berths to the NAIA Football Championship Series which will begin on November 22.

WPU will opens its 11-game slate on Thursday, August 28 in Fulton, Mo. against William Woods at 7 p.m. in the second annual Billy Bowl.  The Statesmen will be at Statesmen Community Stadium five times this fall, beginning with their home opener on September 20 versus MidAmerica Nazarene.  Homecoming is set for October 18 against Missouri Baptist, while Senior Day will be November 8 versus Graceland.

2025 Heart North Division Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Grand View–36 (6)
2. Peru State–28
3. Graceland–25 (1)
4. William Penn–22
5. St. Ambrose–17
6. Culver-Stockton–12
7. Clarke–7

2025 Heart South Division Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Benedictine–35 (5)
2. Baker–29 (1)
2. MidAmerica Nazarene–29 (1)
4. Missouri Baptist–21
5. Missouri Valley–16
6. Central Methodist–11
7. William Woods–6