The Northwest Missouri State University football team has been projected to finish second in the preseason MIAA coaches' and media polls released today at the league's annual media day.

The Bearcats picked up three first-place votes in the Coaches' poll to record 93 points. Pittsburg State was chosen as the preseason favorite by the coaches with 98 points and eight first-place votes.

Northwest added seven more first-place tallies in the Media poll and secured 302 points. PSU was also the top selection in the media poll with 22 first-place votes and 320 total points.

Northwest will open the 2023 season on Thursday, Aug. 31, at 7 p.m. at Missouri Southern. The Bearcat home opener is set for Thursday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m. against Emporia State.

2023 MIAA Football Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Pittsburg State (8) – 98 points
2. Northwest Missouri State (3) – 93 points
3. Emporia State – 78 points
4. Washburn – 73 points
T5. Central Oklahoma – 57 points
T5. Nebraska Kearney – 57 points
7. Central Missouri – 44 points
8. Fort Hays State – 37 points
9. Missouri Western – 32 points
10. Missouri Southern – 26 points
11. Northeastern State – 10 points
 
2023 MIAA Football Preseason Media Poll
1. Pittsburg State (22) – 320 points
2. Northwest Missouri State (7) – 302 points
3. Emporia State (1) – 258 points
4. Washburn – 209 points
5. Central Oklahoma – 208 points
6. Nebraska Kearney – 199 points
7. Central Missouri – 124 points
8. Missouri Southern – 116 points
9. Missouri Western – 113 points
10. Fort Hays State – 98 points
11. Northeastern State – 33 points