For the twelfth consecutive year, veteran sportswriter Matt Zimmer has released his preseason ballot for the Missouri Valley Football Conference, a ritual that now carries added intrigue as the league navigates significant realignment.
North Dakota State, long the dominant force in the FCS, announced its ascent to the Football Bowl Subdivision and a new home in the Mountain West Conference. The move not only reshapes the competitive landscape but also opens a pathway for other programs to claim the MVC crown.
South Dakota State's Forecast
Despite a brief interruption in its dynasty when South Dakota State captured two national championships, the Jackrabbits remain the clear favorite to win the conference in 2026. Zimmer’s projection places them atop the standings, banking on sustained recruiting and a strong returning core.
The forecast also highlights Youngstown State and North Dakota as the closest challengers. Both programs have historically been playoff contenders, and Zimmer expects them to battle fiercely for the second and third spots.
Playoff Landscape
Zimmer predicts that as many as six teams could earn playoff berths, with the margin between Youngstown State and Illinois State likely no more than two games across positions two through six. This tight race underscores the depth of competition within the league.
A key tiebreaker decision favored Indiana State over Murray State, primarily because their head‑to‑head matchup will be played in Terre Haute, giving the Sycamores a home‑field advantage that could prove decisive in the final standings.