Upper Iowa University's football team has made history by receiving three votes in the 2026 AFCA Division II Preseason Poll, marking their first recognition in this poll. Ferris State (Mich.) leads the poll with 31 first-place votes, aiming for a fifth national championship in six years. Upper Iowa aims to build on a record 9-3 season last year, having just secured their first postseason victory against Hillsdale (Mich.). They'll open the season on Aug. 29 against Jamestown and face key opponents UIndy and Truman State later in the season.

By the Numbers
  • Upper Iowa received 3 votes in the AFCA Preseason Poll.
  • Last season, Upper Iowa finished with a record of 9-3, their best in program history.
Yes, But

While the preseason recognition is a significant milestone for Upper Iowa, critical questions remain about how they'll perform in a highly competitive schedule featuring ranked teams, which could test their readiness.

State of Play
  • Upper Iowa previously achieved 16 wins over the last two seasons, a program record.
  • This season, they will face three teams included in the AFCA poll.
What's Next

As the season kicks off, Upper Iowa will aim to leverage their recent success and newfound recognition to build momentum, hopefully resulting in more victories against tough opponents.

Bottom Line

Upper Iowa鈥檚 entry into the AFCA Preseason Poll is not just a milestone; it could serve as a springboard for a promising season, provided they can convert recognition into performance on the field.