South Dakota State Leads Preseason Rankings in the Missouri Valley Football Conference for 2026 Season
South Dakota State has been named the preseason favorite in the Missouri Valley Football Conference for the upcoming 2026 season, marking the third time in the last four seasons that they have received this honor. The announcement was made during the conference's media day event at the Sanford Pentagon. SDSU secured the top spot with 28 of the 36 first-place votes and a total of 312 vote points, putting them ahead of Illinois State, Youngstown State, North Dakota, and South Dakota in the preseason rankings.
The preseason poll revealed a competitive landscape within the conference, with Illinois State, Youngstown State, North Dakota, and South Dakota following closely behind South Dakota State in the rankings. Notably, Illinois State received three first-place votes, showcasing the depth of talent and competition within the conference. The absence of North Dakota State, which recently moved to the FBS level, marks a significant shift in the preseason predictions, as the Bison had been a dominant force in the conference for over a decade.
Illinois State's strong showing in the preseason poll positions them as a top contender in the conference, marking their highest preseason ranking since 2015. Similarly, Youngstown State's ranking reflects their potential to make an impact in the upcoming season, with their highest preseason placement since 2017. The diversity of first-place votes among the teams highlights the parity and unpredictability of the competition in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
The preseason poll order, which also includes Southern Illinois, Northern Iowa, Indiana State, and Murray State, sets the stage for an exciting and closely contested season ahead. With multiple teams vying for the top spot and the departure of North Dakota State creating a new dynamic in the conference, fans can expect an intense and competitive season of football in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.