Drake football has been ranked second in the 2026 Pioneer Football League Preseason Coaches' Poll with 88 points, just shy of St. Thomas. Under new coach Matt Walker, who led a national championship team in 2025, the Bulldogs received five first-place and one runner-up votes. The defending champions are vying for their fourth consecutive league title, with the University of San Diego taking the top position with 90 points, while St. Thomas follows closely with 87 points. The upcoming season marks the 34th year of the PFL and features 11 teams competing for an automatic bid to the NCAA FCS Championship.

By the Numbers
  • Drake received 88 points in the preseason poll, securing second place.
  • San Diego topped the poll with 90 points; only three points separate the top three teams.
State of Play
  • The Bulldogs' first conference game is on September 26 at Davidson.
  • The PFL will feature 11 teams, each playing an eight-game schedule this season.
What's Next

As the preseason progresses, the league will announce its 2026 Preseason All-PFL Team, expected to generate excitement ahead of the season opening.

Bottom Line

Drake's strong preseason ranking sets the stage for a competitive season, highlighting the team's potential to reclaim the championship amid a tight top-tier race in the PFL.