NSIC preseason football poll places Bemidji State seventh and Winona State ninth

The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) released its 2026 preseason coaches poll. Bemidji State University was projected to finish seventh overall in the conference. Senior defensive back Caden Bolte was named the Beavers' preseason defensive player to watch, while quarterback Connor Carver earned the offensive player honor.

Winona State University was ranked ninth overall and fifth in the NSIC South division. Junior quarterback Jackson Flottmeyer and senior defensive lineman David Nies were highlighted as the Warriors' offensive and defensive players to watch, respectively. Minnesota State topped both the overall and South division polls, and Minnesota Duluth led the North division.