Mavericks Named Preseason Favorite in NSIC
The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference’s 2026 Preseason Coaches’ Poll has placed the Minnesota State Mavericks at the top, awarding them 166 points and ten of fourteen first‑place votes. The team also secured the South Division title with 36 points and six of seven top votes, underscoring the conference’s confidence in the program’s trajectory.
Sophomore linebacker Jefferson Mobry was recognized as the NSIC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, a honor that reflects his 72 total tackles, 39 solo stops, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries from the 2025 campaign. His emergence has positioned him as a cornerstone of the Mavericks’ defense.
Junior running back Sam Backer joins Mobry on the watch list, earning Offensive Player to Watch after a 2025 season that saw him amass 980 rushing yards on 196 carries and 19 touchdowns. His performance placed him fifth nationally in rushing scores and helped the Mavericks finish the year 10‑4 overall and 7‑3 in conference play.
Building on a Playoff Run
Minnesota State’s 2025 run extended to the NCAA Division II quarterfinals, marking the seventh appearance in program history. The Mavericks finished with a 2‑1 record in the postseason and hold a 20‑16 all‑time tournament slate across sixteen appearances.
The 2026 schedule opens on the road at Colorado Mesa, kicking off at 7 p.m. CT, before the team returns home for five consecutive games at Blakeslee Stadium. With the NSIC expanding to fourteen members and dividing play into North and South Divisions, each squad will navigate ten conference contests, including six divisional matchups that will ultimately decide the league’s three champions: overall, North and South.
Fans can follow the action live on Midco Sports Plus, the conference’s official broadcast partner, which will provide coverage throughout the season.