Northwestern Picked Seventh in GPAC Preseason Poll

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The Raider baseball team has been picked seventh in the 2026 GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

Northwestern went 25-23 (14-14 GPAC) in 2025, finishing sixth in the conference. Despite graduating key seniors from last year's team, Brian Wede's squad returns five all-conference selections. Grant Rychnovsky (.344) and Grant Guidry (.331) both hit over .300 in their freshman seasons, while returning senior Devin Dirkx led the team with nine home runs and 45 RBIs in 2025.

On the mound, All-GPAC relievers Brody Ayers and Peyton Montecinos will also come back to bolster the bullpen, while Dirkx matched the team lead with six wins as a starter.
Concordia was picked to win the GPAC after claiming the regular season title last season.

Here are the full results of the GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll:

1. Concordia – 98 pts. (8 first-place votes)
2. Morningside – 87 pts. (1 first-place vote)
3. Doane – 85 pts. (1 first-place vote)
4. Briar Cliff – 75 pts.
5. Mount Marty – 60 pts.
6. Midland – 55 pts.
7. Northwestern – 51 pts.
8. Dakota Wesleyan – 34 pts.
9. Hastings – 23 pts.
10. Waldorf – 20 pts.
11. Dordt – 17 pts.

The Raiders will take the field for the first time next Friday, playing at McPherson (Kan.).

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

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Players Mentioned

#26 Brody Ayers: INF; 5' 10"; Junior; R/R

#23 Devin Dirkx: INF/RHP; 6' 3"; Senior; L/R

#24 Grant Guidry: 1B; 6' 1"; Sophomore; R/R

#18 Peyton Montecinos: RHP; 5' 9"; Junior; R/R

#4 Grant Rychnovsky: OF/RHP; 6' 2"; Sophomore; R/R

Players Mentioned

#26 Brody Ayers
: 5' 10"; Junior; R/R
: INF

#23 Devin Dirkx
: 6' 3"; Senior; L/R
: INF/RHP

#24 Grant Guidry
: 6' 1"; Sophomore; R/R
: 1B

#18 Peyton Montecinos
: 5' 9"; Junior; R/R
: RHP

#4 Grant Rychnovsky
: 6' 2"; Sophomore; R/R
: OF/RHP