Emporia State University has etched its name into NCAA Division II history by securing national rankings for both its football and volleyball programs in the same season, a first for the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).
A First for the MIAA
The volleyball squad sits at No. 25 in the latest AVCA National Poll released on September 8, 2026, while the football team is positioned at No. 24 in the AFCA poll, also dated September 8.
The achievement places Emporia State among just four Division II institutions—Ferris State, Grand Valley State and Central Washington—that have accomplished the dual‑ranking feat, underscoring the program’s rising prominence.
On the gridiron, the Hornets have opened the year 2‑0, highlighted by a victory over the previously ranked #10 Pittsburg State, and are set to host #20 Michigan Tech at the newly renovated Blackcreek Diesel Field at Welch Stadium on September 12.
The volleyball team, boasting a 7‑1 record, will test its mettle against a Top 25 opponent, Newman, in a non‑conference matchup on September 9, after climbing back from a previous No. 23 ranking in November 2025.
Together, these milestones illustrate a vibrant athletic renaissance at Emporia State, drawing heightened attention from fans, alumni and the broader collegiate sports community.