Preseason Predictions Unveiled at Media Days
The Mid‑America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) rolled out its 2026 preseason football polls during a media event held in Topeka, Kansas, setting the stage for the upcoming season.
According to the coaches poll, Pittsburg State emerged as the preseason favorite, earning seven first‑place votes, while Northwest Missouri State followed closely with three additional top votes. In the media poll, Northwest Missouri State secured the most first‑place ballots with 19, pushing Pittsburg State to second with ten votes, and Central Oklahoma received the final first‑place vote, rounding out the top three.
Emporia State Hornets were projected to finish sixth in both polls, a placement that reflects both the competitiveness of the conference and the team’s recent consistency, having averaged more than seven wins per season over the past four years.
Returning Talent Fuels Optimism
The Hornets will bring back 13 starters from the previous year, including All‑American linebacker Landon Boss, first‑team All‑MIAA receiver Malik O'Atis, second‑team defensive back Tyler Schultze, and offensive lineman Trevion Mitchell. Their experience is expected to bolster the lineup and improve the team's chances of climbing above the sixth‑place forecast.
Season tickets for Emporia State are currently on sale through the university’s athletics website, while season passes for the MIAA Network will become available in August, giving fans early access to live coverage of the conference schedule.