The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) released its 2025-26 Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll, with the University of Dubuque earning the top spot after capturing last season’s regular season title.
Friday, November 7 is the first time men’s basketball teams will take the court. The conference, double round robin, season officially kicks off on Wednesday, December 3.
| 2025-26 American Rivers Conference Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll | ||
| Place | Team (First-place votes) | Points |
| 1. | Univ. of Dubuque (7) | 63 |
| 2. | Nebraska Wesleyan | 54 |
| 3. | Loras (2) | 53 |
| 4. | Coe | 38 |
| 5. | Central | 35 |
| 6. | Wartburg | 30 |
| 7. | Buena Vista | 24 |
| 8. | Simpson | 15 |
| 9. | Luther | 12 |
The University of Dubuque, reigning A-R-C regular season champions, return a core of proven performers led by Jacob Williams (Dubuque Senior, IA), last season’s First Team All-Conference honoree and Rookie of the Year, along with Grady Thompson and Jalen Scott, both Second Team All-Conference selections. While the Spartans must replace some key players the program remains poised for another title run under veteran head coach Robbie Sieverding (IA High School Hall of Famer from Bellevue Marquette, IA) now in his 19th season.
“We are excited to compete and the conference should be a battle each night,” Sieverding said. “Many teams graduated some very good players including our team. We hope to be playing our best basketball down the stretch.”
The Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves return to the top tier of the league after another strong campaign under head coach Dale Wellman. With key returners Christian Winn and Seth Newton anchoring the lineup, NWU will look to reload.
Loras College enters the new season loaded with experience and talent, returning four starters from last year’s third-place squad. Gavin Sarvis and Jack Haynes headline a group that also includes veterans Kyle Kober and Nolan Berendes (Dubuque Wahlert). With a balanced roster and veteran leadership, the Duhawks will again be a threat in the A-R-C race under head coach Chris Martin in his tenth season.
“We are really excited for the season to get started,” said Martin. “We have an awesome group of returners and have added a ton of quality players and young men to the program. The league will be strong, as always, and we are excited to compete with the best!”
Under second-year head coach John Payan, Coe College looks to build on last year’s balanced season and climb the conference standings. The Kohawks return a trio of key contributors in Cooper Nailor (Indianola), Cole Hrubes (Cedar Rapids Kennedy), and Deuce Walters, who bring scoring, defense, and leadership to a veteran roster.
“We are excited for another competitive year in one of the best conferences in the country,” Payan said. “Our team is working hard to prepare, and we are looking forward to the challenges ahead of us and developing together as a group.”
Central College opens a new chapter under first-year head coach Conor Riordan (Simpson College & Ankeny High School, IA), following a strong 17-win campaign. The Dutch return all-conference guard Owen Schipper (Waukee, IA) and experienced playmaker Brad Curren (Harlan, IA) to lead the charge.
“We are excited for the upcoming season in one of the deepest and most-balanced leagues in the country,” Riordan said. “We will have some new faces and new roles, and after a great off-season, our guys are excited to compete!”
After a promising season under head coach Sam Leal, Wartburg College returns a talented nucleus ready to make noise in 2025-26. Luke Ladwig, Austin Bienemann (Nashua-Plainfield, IA) and Gabe Trujillo bring back scoring and experience to the lineup. The Knights’ blend of returning veterans and emerging depth has the program trending upward.
“We have a terrific group of young men returning to compete with all of the talented teams in the American Rivers Conference!” Leal said.
Buena Vista University begins a new era under head coach Jeff Horner (IA High School Hall of Famer from Mason City, IA), who inherits a roster full of experience and energy. The Beavers return standout Carter Sievers (Newell-Fonda, IA) and fellow starter Kyle Sternberg (AHSTW HS, IA), while welcoming back several key contributors from injury. With Adam Bryte (ADM, IA) and Jaden Jones (Dallas Center Grimes, IA) returning to form, BVU expects to contend in a deep conference race.
“Our team is excited to play in such a tough conference,” Horner said. “We bring back experienced players who have worked hard, and those guys mixed with our newcomers should be fun to watch.”
The Simpson College Storm enter their second season under Kyle Jones with a strong returning core led by Levi Gurwell (Winterset, IA), Cam Henderson, and Nate Winter (Boone, IA). With added depth from a promising recruiting class, Simpson looks to continue building its foundation for success in the A-R-C.
“Our program is keenly aware of how tough the American Rivers Conference is on a night-in, night-out basis,” Jones said. “Our success will depend on team culture and how quickly we can mesh as a group.”
Luther College looks to take a step forward under longtime head coach Mark Franzen, who enters his 20th season at the helm. The Norse return starters Jeremy Andera (Crestwood, IA), Andre Palavra, and Yigit Yarisci, providing leadership and experience to a youthful roster.
“The A-R-C has great players and coaches and we are looking forward to competing in our league this year,” Franzen said.
*Press Release and photo sources A-R-C Conference 10.2.25
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