Raiders Slotted at No. 7 in NAIA Preseason Poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On the precipice of their home opener on Saturday, the Red Raider football team was ranked No. 7 in the NAIA Preseason Coaches' Poll, presented by Netting Professionals.

Northwestern is looking to build upon another NAIA FCS Quarterfinals appearance in 2024, bolstered by one of the nation's top defenses. The Raiders will welcome back All-American defensive lineman Trystin Voss, alongside First Team All-GPAC selections Jacob Dragstra and Austyn Gerard, and Second Team All-GPAC honorees Ben Egli and Korver Hupke.

Defending champion Grand View (Iowa) took the top spot. Keiser (Fla.) was second, followed by Morningside, Benedictine (Kan.), and Montana Western rounding out the top five.

Northwestern has been in the top 25 in 99 consecutive ratings dating back to August 7, 2017, which ranks fourth in the NAIA. Four GPAC teams rank in the top 25 in Northwestern, Concordia, Dordt, and Morningside.

GPAC IN THE TOP 25
No. 3 Morningside Mustangs
No. 7 Northwestern Red Raiders
No. 19 Dordt Defenders
No. 21 Concordia Bulldogs

The Raiders will open their season under the lights this Saturday, hosting Waldorf for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff inside De Valois Stadium.

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

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Players Mentioned

#9 Jacob Dragstra: DL; 6' 0"; Senior

#34 Ben Egli: LB; 6' 1"; Senior

#7 Austyn Gerard: WR; 5' 11"; Junior

#77 Korver Hupke: OL; 6' 3"; Junior

#5 Trystin Voss: DL; 6' 3"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#9 Jacob Dragstra
: 6' 0"; Senior
: DL

#34 Ben Egli
: 6' 1"; Senior
: LB

#7 Austyn Gerard
: 5' 11"; Junior
: WR

#77 Korver Hupke
: 6' 3"; Junior
: OL

#5 Trystin Voss
: 6' 3"; Senior
: DL