OSKALOOSA — The William Penn football team is looking for a repeat of last fall’s success as the 2026 Heart of America Athletic Conference North and South Division Coaches’ Polls were released Thursday.
WPU, which was 11-2 (5-1 Heart) last fall, is picked to finish second in the North with 52 points and one first-place vote.
Grand View is slated to control the North with 62 points and six first-place votes. Peru State is third with 46 points and the final first-place vote, while Graceland (40), Culver-Stockton (34), St. Ambrose (26), Clarke (16), and Mount Mercy (12) wrap up the North standings.
Benedictine holds the top position in the South Division with 47 points and five first-place nods. MidAmerica Nazarene is second with 39 points and a first-place nod, while Baker is third (36).
Headlined by one top ballot, Missouri Baptist has 24 points, while Missouri Valley (21), Central Methodist (20), and William Woods (9) finish out the South poll.
Champions from both divisions earn automatic berths to the NAIA Football Championship Series which will begin on November 21.
WPU opens the fall in Oskaloosa on August 27 against North foe Graceland at 7 p.m. The Statesmen will be at Statesmen Community Stadium for six contests in 2026.
2026 Heart North Division Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(First Place Votes)
- Grand View–62 (6)
- William Penn–52 (1)
- Peru State–46 (1)
- Graceland–40
- Culver-Stockton–34
- St. Ambrose–26
- Clarke–16
- Mount Mercy–12
2026 Heart South Division Preseason Coaches’ Poll
(First Place Votes)
- Benedictine–47 (5)
- MidAmerica Nazarene–39 (1)
- Baker–36
- Missouri Baptist–24 (1)
- Missouri Valley–21
- Central Methodist–20
- William Woods–9
