The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced its preseason coaches polls for its men's and women's 2026 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field seasons.
 
The Northwest Missouri State men's and women's indoor track and field teams were both projected to finish as runners-up in the MIAA Preseason polls. The Bearcat women, who placed second in both the indoor and outdoor MIAA championships last season, secured one first-place vote.

The Bearcats will start-up their indoor season hosting the Mel Tjeerdsma Classic inside Hughes Fieldhouse Saturday, Dec. 6. Field events are slated to begin at 11 a.m., as running events are scheduled for noon. 
 
2025-26 MIAA MEN'S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD
PRESEASON RANKINGS
1. Pittsburg State [9] – 81 points 
2. Northwest Missouri State – 70 points
3. Washburn – 63 points
4. Missouri Southern [1] – 59 points
5. Central Missouri – 46 points
6. Emporia State – 42 points
7. Nebraska Kearney – 32 points
8. Fort Hays State – 31 points
T9. Missouri Western – 13 points
T9. Rogers State – 13 points
[#] - Number of First Place Selections
 
2025-26 MIAA WOMEN'S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD
PRESEASON RANKINGS
1. Pittsburg State [10] – 100 points
2. Northwest Missouri State – 88 points
3. Washburn [1] – 84 points
4. Missouri Southern – 74 points
5. Central Missouri – 58 points
6. Nebraska Kearney – 57 points
7. Fort Hays State – 49 points
8. Central Oklahoma – 25 points
T9. Emporia State – 24 points
T9. Missouri Western – 24 points
11. Rogers State – 21 points