Wartburg College’s football program enters the 2026 season with a preseason ranking that has the campus buzzing. The Knights sit at No. 9 in the American Football Coaches Association’s Division III poll, a placement that highlights both the program’s recent progress and the stiff competition that awaits.
Preseason Ranking and Expectations
The AFCA poll not only recognizes Wartburg’s upward trajectory but also underscores the difficulty of the road ahead. Five opponents on the 2026 regular‑season slate appear in the poll, including the nation’s top‑ranked North Central College, the seventh‑seeded UW‑River Falls, Coe College, Monmouth College and Central College.
Opening Battle in Monmouth
The season’s first test arrives on September 5, 2026, when Wartburg travels to April Zorn Memorial Stadium in Monmouth, Illinois, for a 7 p.m. kickoff against the Scots. The game marks the beginning of a demanding stretch that will challenge the team’s depth and resilience.
Coach [Name] has emphasized that the early schedule is an opportunity to prove the Knights can compete with the nation’s elite. A strong performance against Monmouth could set the tone for a season that many expect to be among the most competitive in recent memory.