The MIAA enters the 2026 college football season with Pittsburg State and Northwest Missouri State split the top spot in the preseason polls. The Gorillas topped the coaches' vote, while the Bearcats were the clear favorite in the media poll.
Quarterbacks Zechariah Owens and Jett Huff headline a talented group of Offensive Player of the Year candidates, while Kuron Parchmon adds another explosive playmaker to watch. On, J.C. Heim, Malachi Howard and Landon Boss lead a strong returning class.
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The schedule features several marquee matchups, including Pittsburg State opening against defending Division II national champion Ferris State and a pivotal Nov. 14 clash with Northwest Missouri. Fort Hays State's nonconference meeting with CSU Pueblo is another early measuring stick.
Here's everything you need to know about the MIAA entering the 2026 college football season.
2026 MIAA Football Coaches Poll
- Pittsburg State (7 first-place votes)
- Northwest Missouri (3 first-place votes)
- Central Oklahoma
- Fort Hays State
- Central Missouri
- Emporia State
- Nebraska Kearney
- Washburn
- Missouri Western
- Missouri Southern
2026 MIAA Football Media Poll
- Northwest Missouri (19 first-place votes)
- Pittsburg State (10 first-place votes)
- Central Oklahoma (1 first-place vote)
- Central Missouri
- Fort Hays State
- Emporia State
- Nebraska Kearney
- Washburn
- Missouri Western
- Missouri Southern
MIAA OPOY Candidates
- Zechariah Owens, QB Northwest Missouri
- Jett Huff, QB Central Oklahoma
- Kuron Parchmon, WR Pittsburg State
MIAA DPOY Candidates
- J.C. Heim, LB Washburn
- Malachi Howard, DB Central Missouri
- Landon Boss, LB Emporia State
Games To Note In The MIAA
- Ferris State vs. Pittsburg State - August 27
- Northwest Missouri vs. Pittsburg State - November 14
- CSU Pueblo vs. Fort Hays State - September 3
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