The Northwest Missouri State University football team is ranked No. 4 in the initial NCAA Division II NPI rankings that will determine playoff selection.
 
The Bearcats (5-1 overall) are the second-highest ranked MIAA team in this fall's first ranking. Emporia State is ranked No. 3 and Central Missouri is ranked No. 7.
 
The top eight teams will earn selection into the 2026 NCAA Div. II Playoffs. Conference champions from the MIAA, GAC, Lone Star and RMAC will receive automatic bids. The final four slots will be determined by the NPI.
 
NPI Rankings (Oct. 18)
1. Harding                     65.624
2. CSU-Pueblo             63.751
3. Emporia State          62.666
4. Northwest Mo. St.     60.103
5. Western Colorado    59.525
6. Central Washington  58.715
7. Central Missouri        57.659
8. East Central              57.561
9. Henderson State       55.472
10. Ouachita Baptist      55.430