Northwestern Football Tabbed Third in League Poll

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The Red Raider football team received a third-place spot in the 2026 edition of the GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

Northwestern compiled a 6-4 overall record last season and finished in a tie for fourth in the GPAC standings. Quarterback Colby Duncan is back to lead the offense after throwing for 1,789 yards and 14 touchdowns and rushing for 529 yards and five scores. The Raider defense owned the top scoring defense in the NAIA, allowing only 126 total points and 12.6 per game. Despite graduating the 2025 GPAC Defensive Player of the Year in Trystin Voss, Northwestern returns 15 players from its final defensive two-deep of the season, highlighted by the team's tackling leader Jackson Smythe (72).

Six all-conference picks return to the gridiron for the Raiders, including Second Team All-American Kylar Fritz. Other returning All-GPAC players include Jordan Carter, Jackson Smythe, Gianna Bennett, Colby Duncan, and Korver Hupke.

Northwestern received 82 points and one first-place vote in the poll. Morningside was picked to win the conference, amassing six first-place votes. Dordt followed in second in four first-place votes. A vote from the league's head coaches determined the results. Coaches could not vote for their own team.

Here are the full results of the GPAC Preseason Coaches' Poll:
1. Morningside – 96 pts. (6 first-place votes)
2. Dordt – 91 pts. (4 first-place votes)
3. Northwestern – 82 pts. (1 first-place vote)
4. Concordia – 67 pts.
5. Midland – 60 pts.
6. Hastings – 59 pts.
7. Mount Marty – 49 pts.
8. Briar Cliff – 34 pts.
9. Dakota Wesleyan – 32 pts.
10. Doane – 25 pts.
11. Waldorf – 10 pts.

The Raiders will kick off the season on August 27 at Western Illinois.

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

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#10 Gianna Bennett: K; 6' 1"; Redshirt Freshman

#1 Jordan Carter: DB; 5' 9"; Redshirt Freshman

#2 Colby Duncan: QB; 6' 2"; Sophomore

#0 Kylar Fritz: DB; 6' 2"; Junior

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

#27 Jackson Smythe: LB; 6' 0"; Sophomore

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

Players Mentioned

#10 Gianna Bennett
: 6' 1"; Redshirt Freshman
: K

#1 Jordan Carter
: 5' 9"; Redshirt Freshman
: DB

#2 Colby Duncan
: 6' 2"; Sophomore
: QB

#0 Kylar Fritz
: 6' 2"; Junior
: DB

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

#27 Jackson Smythe
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: LB

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