---

Watch Media Day Live Online (NW Scheduled for 12:15 p.m.)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Northwest Missouri State University football team was ranked first in both the 2016 MIAA Preseason Coaches and Media polls, as announced by the league office on Tuesday. The polls consist of votes from the 12 conference coaches and media covering the MIAA, respectively. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own insitution.

Northwest received 10 of the possible 11 first place votes from the coaches while earning 120 total points. Central Missouri was second with 110 votes, receiving one first place vote. Pittsburg State and Emporia State tied for third with 87 points. The Gorillas captured the league's remaining first place vote. In the meida poll, The Bearcats were the unanimous top pick with all 39 first place votes. Central Missouri was second with 392 points and Pittsburg State was third with 349 points.

Northwest begins the 2016 season on Thursday, Sept. 1, at Emporia State University at 7 p.m. The home opener will be on Thursday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. against Washburn.