This fall, we have had some great stories at the D3 level in the state. In Iowa, 10 teams compete at the D3 Level with 7 teams in the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) and 3 teams in the Midwest Conference (MWC).
A-R-C Iowa Teams
Buena Vista, Central, Coe, Dubuque, Loras, Simpson, and Wartburg
Midwest Conference Iowa Teams
Cornell, Grinnell, and Luther
The winner of each conference gets an Automatic Bid to the NCAA D3 Playoffs (which has 28 Conference Automatic and 12 at-large invites – over 240 teams play at the D3 level in the US).
Wartburg and Coe are currently tied atop the A-R-C undefeated (and the previous 3 years Wartburg has won the conference and Coe has earned a very difficult at-large NCAA bid).
The A-R-C has been the Big 4 for the past decade with Wartburg by far the dominant team, with Coe and Central fighting it out for 2nd, and Dubuque in the mix in the top 4. That Big 4 has not changed this year and the conference championship is coming down to the last two weeks.
This Saturday is Showdown Saturday in the A-R-C
Dubuque @ Coe in Cedar Rapids (Dubuque only loss is to Wartburg in the A-R-C) and this is rated a close to a toss up game.
Wartburg @ Central (Central is in 4th in the A-R-C and Wartburg is considered a heavy favorite)
This year it is doubtful that the A-R-C is likely to get two teams (unless Wartburg losses to Coe which they would be a heavy underdog).
This year the A-R-C has added another opportunity for their top Non-Playoff team (The Riverbend Bowl Series).
SGI Prediction
Wartburg Automatic Qualifier in NCAA D3 Playoffs with a great chance to advance in the playoffs
Winner of Dubuque – Coe game to make the inaugural Riverbend Bowl Series.
Midwest Conference (MWC)
Grinnell and Luther have had very good years and both programs have reached new heights this fall, but the MWC is not considered as strong a league as the A-R-C so there is no shot of getting two bids most years. Lake Forest and Monmouth dominate this league most years with U of Chicago being a close third.
The MWC does have two bowl tie-ins though (Lakefront Bowl and Riverbend Series), and Luther and Grinnell do have outside chances of making it into the top three this year.
SGI Prediction
Luther and Grinnell have a great closing game next week in Decorah against each other, but we predict neither team will go bowling in 2026. Great years in Grinnell and Decorah and much to build on.
As Always, we appreciate your support and comments.
