The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) is one the best NAIA Football Conferences in America. You can argue about is the Heart of America, and possibly the Sun Conference better… or course. One thing is for certain is that debate of which NAIA Football conference is the best has to include the GPAC.
Great Plains Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll is Released
Morningside has won or tied for first in 14 of the past 15 seasons and National Champs in 2018, 2019, and 2021 . Northwestern College National Champs in 2022, and runner up in 2020 and 2023.
Folks, those are two powerhouse programs in NW Iowa located just 42 miles apart that have dominated the GPAC and NAIA Football.
The Rising Power just down the road in Sioux Center has been the Dordt Defenders (Only a program playing football since 2008) and last year they tied Morningside for the GPAC Title.
Northwestern for their program standards last year fell short, and they did not make the playoffs.
So, when the preseason votes came out we were not surprised by the outcome.
Mustangs – 1
Defenders – 2
Raiders – 3
So, on our Pigskin Preview show we dug deep into the poll
One of the great parts of AI is having a podcast and then looking at the meeting summary notes
Morningside University Football Outlook: Morningside enters the season with high expectations and returns All-American wide receiver Drew Sellon, who decided to return to the program after exploring the transfer portal. Jordan Cole notes that while the team returns significant defensive production, including a standout linebacker, the primary uncertainty for the team is the quarterback position following the loss of previous production. Jordan Cole was likely the biggest Zack “Chevy” Chevalier fan in 2025, and replacing him will be a big task for the Mustangs in 2026. Max Hough returns in the backfield after his stellar season ended early last year with an injury
Dordt University and Northwestern College Football Outlook: Dordt returns 10 all-conference players, and Jordan Cole expresses confidence in their potential to win the outright championship due to high returning production, including their quarterback, leading rusher, and leading receiver. Brandon Leonard notes that Northwestern struggled offensively last year, falling to 53rd in the nation, despite maintaining the top-ranked scoring defense, which allowed only 13 points per game. The hosts highlight Northwestern’s All-American defensive back Kyler Fritz as a key returning player. Yes, Jordan did pick the Defenders to win the GPAC this year, for the reasons listed above. Stability and returning production.
Both Jordan and Brandon “Ghost” Leonard have been very open about their thoughts on the Northwestern Red Raiders coming out this fall…with fire. They did not reach their standard in 2025, and likely have been talking about that all off season long in eveyr meeting and workout.
Briar Cliff University Football Outlook: Briar Cliff underwent a coaching change, promoting defensive coordinator Nathan Kosiol to the position of head coach. The team returns key talent, including All-American tackle Zak Rachow and quarterback Brock Saya, who ranks second in program history for career passing yards and needs four touchdowns to set the all-time record. We are bullish on the Chargers. Moving up in the GPAC is tough but think getting above 8th is attainable.
Waldorf University Football Outlook: Waldorf hired David S. Callaway as their new coach to address their offensive struggles and foster a culture change. Callaway brings over 25 years of collegiate coaching experience, including a previous tenure at Arkansas Pine Bluff. Jordan Cole acknowledges that while a total rebuild in the Great Plains Athletic Conference is challenging, this coaching change is a necessary step for the program. We are hopeful that Waldorf will rise and applaud the hiring of Coach Calloway. New investments in Forest City – New Turf and new staff give hope to the Warriors to start building a foundation. It will take time but Coach Calloway has done it before over his 25 years in college coaching.
The GPAC is not for the faint of heart. It is a big boy football conference. We would be shocked to see anyone outside the Iowa Big 3 win (Morningside, Dordt, or Northwestern College). After that though the opportunity for 4th thru 11th and who can build up to challenge the big 3 will be a rock fight.
We can’t wait to watch the action this fall and find out what happens.
