The 2026 MIAA Coaches Poll has placed the Pittsburg State Gorillas at the pinnacle, awarding them seven first‑place votes and the No. 1 ranking.
Northwest Missouri State, the other contender for the preseason crown, received the remaining three votes and will finish the poll at No. 2, a testament to the conference’s competitive depth.
The Gorillas rode a 27‑14 victory over the Bearcats in last year’s regular‑season finale, a win that helped cement their fourth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs.
Building on Momentum
Coach Tom Anthony enters his third year with a roster that returns eight starters and adds five athletes who earned All‑MIAA honors, giving the team a blend of experience and talent.
Senior placekicker Austin Schmitt was crowned the 2025 MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year, while wide receiver Kuron Parchmon and fellow receiver Greyson Holbert secured first‑team and third‑team All‑MIAA recognitions respectively.
Defensive end Ely Wilcox also earned honorable‑mention accolades, and Schmitt’s performance extended to an honorable‑mention spot on the Don Hansen Football Committee’s All‑America list.
The Gorillas will open the 2026 campaign at home against defending national champion Ferris State on August 27, a 7 p.m. kickoff that promises a marquee matchup for fans across the region.
A Community Ready for More
With 39 letterwinners set to provide veteran leadership, the team aims to blend seasoned experience with the enthusiasm of newcomers, hoping to translate preseason optimism into on‑field success.
Preseason camp begins on August 2, and the excitement is palpable among players, coaches, and the broader Pittsburg State community.