Preseason RMAC coaches poll/ all conference

[twolfbenchwarmer]

The only big difference I see between the preseason poll and last season’s results is Chadron at 4 after an 8-1 RMAC record. Any teams you’re expecting to take a step forward/ backwards this year?


https://rmacsports.org/news/2026/7/2...n-in-2026.aspx

[CSM alum 1993]

I can't recall the last time I saw a preseason poll that wasn't little more than a recitation of the final standings of the prior season. But to be fair, it isn't as if there are regular and consistent off season updates from the SID's of the schools that even have one, from which a more detailed assessment can be made.

But to the question: I really only follow my own school, and my expectation is a 3rd place finish, possibly 2nd, but only if the poor defense from 2025 improves significantly. Last season the offense was a legitimate 10 win squad, from which the defense snatched defeat from the jaws of victory on three occasions.

[twolfbenchwarmer]

It’ll be interesting to see how CSUP does this season, they lost a ton to graduation and the portal. The beginning of their schedule is brutal so we’ll be able to see if there’s players to fill in the gaps right away.
1- UCM
2- @ Fort Hays
3. CO Mines
4. @ Chadron
I think no matter what they’ll have a strong finish against the middle/ bottom of the conference and Western but they’ll need to at least go 2-2 in that first four stretch to have a shot at the playoffs.

[HardRockin'Nerd]

It’ll be interesting to see how CSUP does this season, they lost a ton to graduation and the portal. The beginning of their schedule is brutal so we’ll be able to see if there’s players to fill in the gaps right away.
1- UCM
2- @ Fort Hays
3. CO Mines
4. @ Chadron
I think no matter what they’ll have a strong finish against the middle/ bottom of the conference and Western but they’ll need to at least go 2-2 in that first four stretch to have a shot at the playoffs.

At least the non-con slate is easy on travel plus the Thursday to Saturday transition happening before Colorado Mines makes it not quite as bad. Still a brutal start for sure but could be worse

[Gridiron Bobby]

It’ll be interesting to see how CSUP does this season, they lost a ton to graduation and the portal. The beginning of their schedule is brutal so we’ll be able to see if there’s players to fill in the gaps right away.
1- UCM
2- @ Fort Hays
3. CO Mines
4. @ Chadron
I think no matter what they’ll have a strong finish against the middle/ bottom of the conference and Western but they’ll need to at least go 2-2 in that first four stretch to have a shot at the playoffs.

5-6, 6-5, and 7-4 last season for those first three. Yeah, a real murderers row.

[twolfbenchwarmer]

5-6, 6-5, and 7-4 last season for those first three. Yeah, a real murderers row.

Compared to the rest of the schedule those teams might be. The middle teams of the MIAA would be in the top 3 of the RMAC on any given year.