Augustana football has been predicted to finish third in the 2026 NSIC preseason poll, receiving one first-place vote. Quarterback Gunnar Hensley and defensive back Jermaine Hampton Jr. have been highlighted as key players to watch for the season. The NSIC is now partnering with Midco Sports Plus for streaming coverage of its games, making live events available for fans. Head coach Jerry Olszewski emphasized the strengths of the returning squad, particularly on offense, while noting the importance of their defensive and special teams' contributions.

By the Numbers
  • Gunnar Hensley threw for 1,419 yards and 13 touchdowns before injury in 2025.
  • Hampton Jr. recorded 19 tackles and five pass breakups last season.
State of Play
  • Augustana's 2026 season kicks off on August 27 against MoWest in Springfield, Mo.
  • Season ticket packages start at $89, with single-game tickets available on August 17.
What's Next

As the season approaches, Augustana aims to leverage its experienced roster to compete for the NSIC title. The performance of Hensley and Hampton Jr. will be crucial in their pursuit of this goal.

Bottom Line

Augustana's solid preseason ranking reflects confidence in their returning talent, particularly Hensley and Hampton Jr. Fans should watch for how these key players perform as the Vikings look to make a mark in the upcoming season.