Week six is in the books for Iowa’s ten DIII football programs, and our Preseason Power Rankings are part chalk and also moving. Iowa’s DIII Football teams are made up of 8 teams that compete in the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) and two that compete in the Midwest Conference (MWC).
1. King Wartburg is the unquestioned Number 1 DIII team in the State
Wartburg defeated the University of Dubuque handily 33-7, in Waverly. This was Wartburg 30th win in a row in the American Rivers Conference. I’ll type that twice….30 regular A-R-C wins in a row is dominance. Preseason SGI #1 – 6 Wins 0 Losses. It is great to continue to be the King.
2. The Dutch are 2nd and hoping to grab the throne
Central had a bye week, and the Dutch are in the top #20 nationally (Wartburg in the top #10) and stacking solid wins. In two weeks on October 25 the Dutch and Knights square off in Waverly in the biggest DIII game in Iowa this year. Preseason SGI #2 – 5 Wins, 0 Losses.
3. Coe College Dominated #4 Simpson on the road
Coe College beat Buena Vista 34-7 and is still in the NCAA III 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 help, including Wartburg beating Central College on October 25, but the Kohawks must win out (including defeating the Dutch) and receive some assistance. Preseason SGI #3 – 4 Wins, 2 Losses.
4. Simpson College is solidly in 4th and trying to hold their spot
The Storm got handled by the Kowhawks at home. The gap between the top 3 and the rest is clear sso far this year. 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, 3 Losses.
5. The University of Dubuque Spartans are working to get in the top four
The Spartans got handled easily by Wartburg this weekend. They 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 can climb back to that spot with an easier back half of the schedule and a win in two weeks in a big clash with Simpson. Preseason SGI #4 – 2 Wins, 4 Losses.
6. Buena Vista is trying to build a foundation for the future
The Beavers handled Luther 31-7. In Storm Lake they are trying to build a foundation for the future in the rugged A-R-C and climb 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 – 2 Win, 3 Losses
7. Loras picked up their first win on the road
The Duhawks got going in the right direction with a big comeback win on the road in Lincoln Nebraska against Nebraska Wesleyan 31-28. Preseason SGI #6 – 1 Wins, 4 Losses.
8. Cornell is trying to build but missed a chance on Saturday
The Rams lost in Mt. Vernon to Ripon 22-14. The schedule looks favorable with some games the Rams have a shot of winning yet in 2025, but it is a building year in Coach Ritchie’s first year at the helm.. Preseason #8 – 2 Win, 3 Losses
9. Grinnell lost a winnable game on Saturday to Knox on the road
The Pioneers lost 20-17 to the Prairie Fire. There are not many games that look like possible wins this year. In 2021, after two years with no football, the Pioneers restarted the program and are working hard to rebuild their MWC football program. Preseason #10 – 1 Win, 3 Losses.
10. Luther is trying to build for the future and survive in their last year in the A-R-C
In their last A-R-C game against Buena Vista the Norse lost 31-70. The Norse chances of picking up a win and breaking their long losing streak is diminishing. Preseason #9 – 0 Wins, 6 Losses
The season is far from over, with teams in the mid-range having a lot of opportunities to move up, yet this fall.
As always, we appreciate your comments and support.
