KCAC releases preseason coaches' and media polls

WICHITA, Kan. — Friends University and Evangel University were tabbed as preseason favorites in their respective divisions as the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference released its 2025 football preseason coaches’ and media polls Monday.
In the Franklin “Gene” Bissell Division, Friends topped both polls. The Falcons earned 25 points and five first-place votes in the coaches’ poll, followed by Southwestern College with 21 points and one first-place nod. McPherson was third with 17 points, trailed by Kansas Wesleyan (13), University of Saint Mary (9) and Sterling (5).
The media echoed the coaches’ choice, giving Friends 56 points and eight first-place votes. Southwestern was second with 52 points and two first-place votes, while Kansas Wesleyan edged McPherson for third, 36-34. Saint Mary (16) and Sterling (14) rounded out the division.
In the Dr. Ted Kessinger Division, Evangel was the clear choice in both polls. The Valor received 25 points and five first-place votes from coaches, with Tabor second at 21 points and one first-place vote. Bethel and Avila tied for third at 12 points each, followed by Ottawa (11) and Bethany (9).
Media voters gave Evangel all 10 first-place votes and 60 points. Bethel was second with 39 points, narrowly ahead of Tabor’s 37. Avila placed fourth with 28 points, followed closely by Ottawa (27) and Bethany (19).
The KCAC football season kicks off later this month.

KCAC Franklin “Gene” Bissell Division Preseason Coaches’ Poll

1. Friends (5) – 25
2. Southwestern (1) – 21
3. McPherson – 17
4. Kansas Wesleyan – 13
5. Saint Mary – 9
6. Sterling – 5

KCAC Dr. Ted Kessinger Division Preseason Coaches’ Poll

1. Evangel (5) – 25
2. Tabor (1) – 21 T3. Bethel – 12 T3. Avila – 12
3. Ottawa – 11
4. Bethany – 9

KCAC Franklin “Gene” Bissell Division Preseason Media Poll

1. Friends (8) – 56
2. Southwestern (2) – 52
3. Kansas Wesleyan – 36
4. McPherson – 34
5. Saint Mary – 16
6. Sterling – 14

KCAC Dr. Ted Kessinger Division Preseason Media Poll

1. Evangel (10) – 60
2. Bethel – 39
3. Tabor – 37
4. Avila – 28
5. Ottawa – 27
6. Bethany – 19