Preseason Outlook
The 2026 Great Midwest Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll has positioned Hillsdale College’s Chargers at fifth overall, a spot that reflects both the team’s solid 2025 showing and the stiff competition that awaits.
Ashland, the defending conference champion, tops the poll with 87 votes and six first‑place ballots, while Northwood, a 2025 NCAA playoff qualifier, trails closely with 85 votes and four top votes, underscoring the narrow margin between the contenders.
Key Returners and New Faces
Hillsdale will lean on a core of experienced playmakers, including senior wide receiver Shea Ruddy, who earned consensus All‑American honors in 2025, and tailback Ben Ngishu, the 2025 G‑MAC Freshman of the Year and first‑team All‑Conference selection.
Veteran quarterback Colin McKernan returns to direct the offense, though he will face a challenge from sophomore Eli Boyce for the starting role, a competition that could shape the Chargers’ early‑season rhythm.
Defensively, nine of eleven starters are back, featuring All‑G‑MAC linebacker Jacob Vance and pass‑rusher Drake Badger, while secondary stalwarts Ryan Niksa and safety Colin Morrow add depth to a unit that finished strong last year.
Schedule and Early Tests
The Chargers open the season at home against McKendree on September 5, hoping to avenge a previous loss, before traveling to face rival Northwood on September 19, a game that could serve as an early barometer for the team’s ascent.
Hillsdale will host seven home contests throughout the year, providing a stable environment for a squad that aims to translate its preseason optimism into tangible wins on the field.