By Diego Ocando – The Morningside University football team will begin the 2025 season ranked No. 3 in the NAIA Football Preseason Poll, solidifying its place among the nation’s elite programs.
The Mustangs earned 384 points in the coaches’ poll, finishing as the highest-ranked team from the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC). Grand View, the defending national champion, claimed the top spot while Keiser landed at No. 2.
This marks the sixth time this decade that Morningside has been ranked in the national top 10 to start a season. A year ago, the Mustangs opened at No. 10 before finishing 12-2 overall and capturing the GPAC title with a perfect 10-0 conference record.
The 2025 roster brings back 15 starters, including six on defense. Quarterback Zach Chevalier, who threw for 4,682 yards and 45 touchdowns last season, leads the offense. He will be supported by standout receivers Drew Sellon and Lennx Brown, who combined for nearly 200 receptions and more than 2,700 yards in 2024.
On defense, the Mustangs forced 23 turnovers last season and held opponents to just 14 points per game during conference play. That dominance helped secure nine first-place votes in the GPAC Preseason Poll, where Morningside was again tabbed as the conference favorite.
The 2025 season begins with a top-five showdown as No. 3 Morningside travels to No. 4 Benedictine on Saturday, August 30, at 1 p.m. in Atchison, KS. The home opener is scheduled for September 20 against Midland at Olsen Stadium.
After winning 12 games last year, with strong coaches and many key players returning, the Mustangs hope to turn this preseason ranking into another big championship run.
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