The Northwest Missouri State University football team has landed at No. 6 in the preseason D2Football.com poll.

The Bearcats posted a 9-3 mark in 2025 and claimed a share of the MIAA regular season title. Northwest reached the NCAA Div. II Playoffs for the 27th time in program history.

Northwest will open the 2026 season Aug. 29 at Texas A&M-Kingsville. The Bearcats' home schedule will begin Sept. 12 against MIAA foe Washburn.

D2Football.com Preseason Top 25
1. Ferris State
2. Harding
3. Minnesota State
4. Kutztown
5. Pittsburg State
6. Northwest Missouri State
7. Indianapolis
8. Grand Valley State
9. Central Washington
10. CSU Pueblo
11. Western Colorado
12. Ashland
13. Augustana
14. Western Oregon
15. Valdosta State
16. Virginia Union
17. Frostburg State
18. UT Permian Basin
19. Findlay
20. Minnesota Duluth
21. Chadron State
22. Wingate
23. Northeastern State
24. Newberry
25. Slippery Rock