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After winning the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West Division in 2025, IUP football enters the 2026 season as the preseason favorite in the PSAC West division. Under ninth-year head coach Paul Tortorella, the Crimson Hawks compiled a 7-4 record last season and advanced to the NCAA playoffs. IUP garnered five out of eight first-place votes in the coaches' poll, surpassing rivals Slippery Rock. The team faces a tougher schedule this season, starting with three road games before their home opener on September 26. With a balanced team of returning starters and a new offensive coordinator, IUP aims for a second consecutive PSAC West title.

• IUP finished the 2025 season with a 7-4 overall record and a 5-1 divisional record.
• The Crimson Hawks received five out of eight first-place votes in the 2026 preseason poll.
• They will open the season with three consecutive road games.

Despite the strong coach and roster, IUP faces challenges with tougher road games early in the season, which contrasts sharply with last year鈥檚 favorable schedule. Also, the team must replace key specialists who graduated, impacting their established kicking game.

• IUP returns seven offensive starters and five defensive starters, maintaining a strong core.
• The new offensive coordinator, Marco Pecora, aims to enhance the team's running game.
• The team ranked second in total defense in the PSAC last season, indicating ongoing strength in this area.

As IUP embarks on this more challenging season, maintaining consistency in their running game and defense will be crucial in their quest to repeat as championship winners. Success in early games will help solidify momentum for the season ahead.

The Crimson Hawks are well-positioned to contend for a second straight PSAC West title, but they must navigate a more challenging schedule and adapt effectively to roster changes. Achieving these goals will be pivotal for the program, setting the tone for future seasons.