NSIC preseason college sports rankings

In early August 2026, the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) released preseason coaches’ polls for football, volleyball, and cross country.

In football, Minnesota State topped both the overall and South division rankings, while Minnesota Duluth led the North division. Bemidji State was projected to finish seventh overall, with senior defensive back Caden Bolte and quarterback Connor Carver named as the program’s defensive and offensive players to watch, respectively. Winona State was ranked ninth overall and fifth in the South division; junior quarterback Jackson Flottmeyer and senior defensive lineman David Nies were highlighted as the team’s standout players.

The volleyball poll ranked Bemidji State 13th following a 7–21 season in 2025. First-year head coach Hahni Johnson noted the returning roster, while sophomore setter Madison Tripp was named the preseason Player-to-Watch. Minnesota State was projected sixth after a 23–6 season, with junior setter Jadyn Lester identified as the team’s Player-to-Watch. The top five volleyball spots were occupied by Concordia-St. Paul, Wayne State, St. Cloud State, Southwest Minnesota State, and Sioux Falls.

In cross country, the Winona State men’s team was projected to finish sixth, with senior Jacob Lanzara named the preseason Athlete to Watch under new head coach Darin Shepardson. In the women’s poll, the University of Mary was selected to finish fifth, with junior transfer Amanda Overgaauw named the Athlete to Watch.