On September 3, the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Crimson Hawks traveled to Ashland and secured a 34‑24 victory that instantly catapulted the program into the national conversation.
Early Rankings Impact
The win propelled IUP to No. 14 in the AFCA Division II Coaches Poll and to No. 19 in the D2Football.com Top 25, marking the first time the school appears in the latter poll.
IUP joins three other Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference members among the nation’s top 25, with Kutztown holding steady at No. 3 in the AFCA poll and Slippery Rock also climbing to No. 14 after a Week Zero win over Minnesota Duluth.
Conference Landscape
Ashland, the opponent that had been ranked No. 12, fell to No. 19 in the AFCA poll, while Pittsburg State dropped from No. 10 to No. 25 after an 0‑2 start, and Emporia State entered the poll for the first time at No. 24.
Ferris State remained the nation’s top‑ranked team in the AFCA poll, and East Stroudsburg and California (Pa.) each received votes, underscoring the depth of competition within the conference.
Looking ahead, the Crimson Hawks are slated for a Week 2 road contest as part of an early stretch that will test their newfound momentum.