Week Four is in the books for Iowa’s ten DIII football programs, and our Preseason Power Rankings are starting to show some movement. Eight Iowa based teams compete in the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) and two compete in the Midwest Conference (MWC).
1. King Wartburg and his Knights remain on the Iowa Throne
Wartburg defeated one of the top contenders for the Best in Iowa Throne – Coe College 17-7 in a home game in Waverly. The Knights defense has been an impenetrable wall this year giving up less than 7 points a game (against 4 top NCAA DIII football programs). Offensively, they have been efficient and playing smart football leaning on their stone wall defense, which is averaging 3 takeaways per game (9 INT and 3 Fumble recoveries). Preseason SGI #1 – 4 Wins 0 Losses. It is great to be King.
2. The Dutch are lurking as Usurpers to the Throne
Central is in the top #25 nationally (Wartburg in the top #10) and putting up solid wins. Their defense has been stout only allowing 15 points per game. Saturday, the Dutch overcame a 16-7 deficit at half to the Dubuque Spartans with 3 Interceptions in the second half to pull away for a 35-16 home win. Preseason SGI #2 – 4 Wins, 0 Losses.
3. Coe College is hanging on by a thread to their Playoff Hopes
Coe College has played two of the top 10 NCAA DIII Football teams in the Country on the road in their two losses. They are still in the playoff hunt, but they can’t have another loss, or the dream of a third consecutive playoff appearance will be officially over. They will need some help, such as Wartburg beating Central College on October 25, but the Kohawks must win out and receive some assistance. It will not be an easy road, as Coe drew all road games this year (Wartburg, Central, UD, and Simpson) for all the showdown games with the top of the A-R-C. Preseason SGI #3 – 2 Wins, 2 Losses.
4. Simpson College is Rising like a Storm
The Storm went to Storm Lake and shut out the Buena Vista Beavers in impressive fashion. They are putting up points and rise to number 4 in our rankings, passing the Dubuque Spartans. It could be a special season in Indianola this fall with a freshman QB leading the way into the big four of the A-R-C. Preseason SGI #5 – 2 Wins, 2 Losses.
5. The University of Dubuque Spartans are fighting to stay in the A-R-C top four
The Spartans had the toughest non-conference schedule (UW-Platteville and UW-Stout) of the A-R-C teams. They have been in the top 4 of the A-R-C with Wartburg, Coe, and Central for the past five years. They took a 16-7 lead in Pella this weekend, but got blanked in the second half 28-0 with 3 INTs against the Dutch. Preseason SGI #4 – 1 Wins, 3 Losses.
6. Loras is looking for its first taste of success in 2025
The DuHawks had an off week after losing a close game to their intercity rivals Dubuque last week. The gap between the next three teams in our power rankings is razor-thin. They welcome the Central Dutch to the Rock Bowl this Saturday in a trap game slot for the boys from Pella. Preseason SGI #6 – 0 Wins, 3 Losses.
7. Cornell is building under the new Ritchie regime
The Rams hired an Iowa High School Hall of Fame Coach Curt Ritchie to lead the Rams forward this year. They have been a solid middle of the pack MWC team trying to move higher. They picked up their first win this year in week three and had a bye last week. The schedule looks favorable with as many as 6 games the Rams have a great shot of winning yet in 2025. Preseason #8 – 1 Win, 2 Losses
8. Buena Vista is trying to build a foundation for the future
The Beavers in Storm Lake are trying to build a foundation for the future in the rugged A-R-C and climb out of the cellar in the standings. Former BV Alum Austin Dickinson is in his third season as Head Coach trying to lead their first winning season in over 2 decades. Preseason #7 – 1 Win, 2 Losses
9. Grinnell is working to build a Football program foundation after restarting football in 2021.
The Pioneers from Grinnell, Iowa, cancelled their season in 2019 when they were depleted by injuries with less than 40 players on the roster. In 2020, with Covid, there was no DIII season. In 2021, after two years with no football, they restarted the program and are working to rebuild their MWC football program. Preseason #10 – 1 Win, 2 Losses.
10 Luther is trying to build for the future and survive in their last year in the A-R-C
The Norse in 2025 are trying to build for their future in the MWC next year. The Norse are leaving the rugged A-R-C after this final season and are moving to the MWC in 2026, where they should be more competitive in football. It’s tough to see where they might find a win in 2026. Preseason #9 – 0 Wins, 4 Losses
The season is far from over, with teams in the mid-range having a lot of opportunities to move up to the upper tier, yet this fall. Will King Wartburg remain on the Iowa DIII throne again in 2025?
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