Concordia-St. Paul (CSP) football has been projected to finish 12th overall and 6th in the South Division in the 2026 NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll. The Golden Bears secured 34 points in the ranking, surpassing Jamestown and Southwest Minnesota State, which received 29 and 21 points, respectively. Minnesota State leads the poll with 166 points and 10 first-place votes, while Minnesota Duluth and Augustana follow closely behind. This season marks a new era for CSP under Head Coach Joshua Schumacher, who is eager to build a competitive team. Key players include senior running back Joel Lacy and senior linebacker Ben Rehl, both expected to make significant impacts on their respective sides of the ball.

By the Numbers
  • CSP received 34 points in the NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll.
  • Joel Lacy recorded 271 yards and 6 touchdowns last season.
  • Ben Rehl contributed 33 tackles in five games last year.
Yes, But

The low preseason ranking could reflect challenges faced due to roster changes and a new coaching staff. CSP's reliance on developing relationships and team chemistry might impact performance in the initial weeks of the season. These factors add complexity to their prospects for exceeding expectations.

State of Play
  • The 2026 NSIC football season features 14 teams competing across two divisions.
  • Each team is set to play 10 conference games, with 6 counting towards divisional championships.
What's Next

CSP will kick off their 2026 season with a non-conference match against Quincy (Ill.) on August 27. The game will serve as a crucial first test for the new team dynamics under Coach Schumacher. The performance in the opening game could pave the way for the rest of the season.

Bottom Line

With a new coach and significant roster turnover, CSP football faces an uphill battle. However, with key players like Lacy and Rehl, the team holds potential for growth and surprise performances amid early season challenges. The focus will be on building a cohesive team capable of exceeding 12th place expectations.