A New Era for RMAC Football
The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is set to kick off its 2026 football campaign, promising another round of hard‑fought battles as teams chase both conference glory and berths in the NCAA Division II playoffs.
Colorado State University Pueblo, the 2025 champion, tops the preseason coaches' poll with 80 points, ahead of Western Colorado and Colorado School of Mines, signaling that the defending title‑holders enter the season with high expectations.
Preseason Rankings and Expectations
The coaches' poll reflects a tight race, with Pueblo leading at 80 points, followed by Western Colorado at 69 and Colorado School of Mines at 62, underscoring the competitive balance heading into the season.
Offensive standouts such as Aidan Thompson from Chadron State, Max Barnes of Colorado School of Mines and Marcellus Honeycutt Jr. of Pueblo are expected to drive the attack, while defensive anchors like Drew Johnson of Western Colorado and William Stemler of Chadron State aim to anchor their units.
Key Players to Watch
Beyond the headline names, a host of other contributors — such as Caden Measner, Pierce Richards, Blake Smotherman and many more — are listed among the conference’s top offensive and defensive candidates, promising depth across squads.
Rivalries and Must‑See Matchups
Fans can circle Sept. 12 for a showdown between Pueblo and Colorado School of Mines, a Nov. 7 clash between Western Colorado and the Mines, and a Nov. 14 duel between Pueblo and Western Colorado, each game poised to shape the league race.
Special teams will also feature notable talent, including Preston Kyle from Colorado School of Mines and Jackson Smith of Pueblo, adding depth to kicking and return games.