Fort Hays State Football has been ranked fourth by coaches and fifth by media in the MIAA Preseason Polls ahead of the 2026 season, mirroring their previous year鈥檚 finish. After a 6-5 record in 2025, where they tied for fourth with Central Missouri (CMU), the Tigers look to improve with a strong defensive roster returning. Pittsburg State and Northwest Missouri State claimed the top spots in each poll, reflecting their 8-1 conference records last season. Fort Hays will open its season on the road against Angelo State on August 27.

By the Numbers
  • Fort Hays State finished the 2025 season with a 6-5 overall record and 5-4 in MIAA play.
  • Six defensive starters return, including four All-MIAA selections from 2025.
State of Play
  • FHSU is set to play six home games in the 2026 season.
  • The Tigers will face off against CSU Pueblo in their home opener on September 3.
What's Next

As the Tigers prepare for the season opener against Angelo State, the focus will be on integrating their returning defensive players into a more competitive strategy. Maintaining or improving their strong defensive ranking will be crucial as they aim for a higher conference standing.

Bottom Line

Fort Hays State鈥檚 solid defensive lineup and historical performance position them well for the upcoming season, but success hinges on further development on offense. The team鈥檚 ability to blend returning talent with new strategies could be the key to surpassing their current rankings.