Raiders Claim Top Spot in Preseason Poll for First Time Since 2017

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The Northwestern men's basketball team has been picked to the top spot of the GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll for the 2025-26 season.

This year's team, under the guidance of first-year head coach Colton Kooima, features Jesse Van Kalsbeek, the reigning GPAC Freshman of the Year and a First Team All-GPAC honoree, as well as Jalen Langsy, also a First Team All-GPAC player. Kaleb Booth was recognized with an Honorable Mention All-GPAC designation, highlighting the three returning starters from last year's lineup.

The Raiders received the top spot in the GPAC preseason poll for the first time since 2017. Northwestern has recorded six consecutive 20+-win seasons and last won the GPAC regular season title in the 2023-24 season.

Here are the full results of the GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll:
1. Northwestern - 100 pts. (10 first-place votes)
2. Morningside - 86 pts.
T3. Dordt - 78 pts. (1 first-place vote)
T3. Concordia - 78 pts.
5. Midland - 60 pts.
6. Briar Cliff - 59 pts.
7. Dakota Wesleyan - 42 pts.
8. Mount Marty - 36 pts.
9. Hastings - 33 pts.
10. Doane - 23 pts.
11. Waldorf - 11 pts.

Northwestern is set to open their season against Friends (Kan.) on Saturday, October 25.

Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#4 Kaleb Booth: G; 6' 0"; Senior

#11 Jalen Langsy: G; 6' 1"; Sophomore

#42 Jesse Van Kalsbeek: F; 6' 6"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#4 Kaleb Booth
: 6' 0"; Senior
: G

#11 Jalen Langsy
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: G

#42 Jesse Van Kalsbeek
: 6' 6"; Sophomore
: F

Players Mentioned

#4 Kaleb Booth

#11 Jalen Langsy

#42 Jesse Van Kalsbeek

Players Mentioned

#4 Kaleb Booth

#11 Jalen Langsy

#42 Jesse Van Kalsbeek