OSKALOOSA — The William Penn men’s basketball team is pushing for darkhorse status as the 2025-2026 Heart of America Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll was announced Wednesday, presented by WinWon Technologies.

WPU, which was 11-17 last year (8-16 Heart), is picked to place 10th in the 15-team league with 90 points.

Graceland is first with 222 points and 12 first-place votes, while Peru State is a close second with 207 points and the final three first-place ballots.  MidAmerica Nazarene (171), Central Methodist (162), and Grand View (154) complete the top five.

Baker (144), Benedictine (138), Park (133), and Missouri Baptist (104) are also ahead of William Penn, while Missouri Valley (74), Clarke (65), Mount Mercy (60), Culver-Stockton (42), and William Woods (34) round out the standings.

William Penn opens the campaign next Wednesday by hosting Rockford in non-conference play at 6 p.m.

2025-2026 Heart Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches Poll
(First-place votes in parentheses)
1. Graceland–222 (12)
2. Peru State–207 (3)
3. MidAmerica Nazarene–171
4. Central Methodist–162
5. Grand View–154
6. Baker–144
7. Benedictine–138
8. Park–133
9. Missouri Baptist–104
10. William Penn–90
11. Missouri Valley–74
12. Clarke–65
13. Mount Mercy–60
14. Culver-Stockton–42
15. William Woods–34