The Central College football team was selected to finish in second in the American Rivers Conference standings according to the preseason coaches poll announced earlier this week, while the Simpson football squad was picked to finish in fifth.

The Dutch went 8-2 in 2024, finishing third place in the league a year ago. Under veteran head coach Jeff McMartin, who has a 163-50 record in 22 seasons, the Dutch return 2024 all-conference honorees Nick Bandy, Gavin Smith, Jase Grunder, Maximus Reitano, and Cole Clark. Four starters return on offense and five on defense, giving Central a strong foundation to chase their 23rd NCAA playoff berth.

The Storm finished last season with a 5-5 overall mark, and took 5th in the conference with a 4-4 league record. Head coach Reed Hoskins enters his third season leading Simpson with a solid core of returners, which includes a veteran offensive line and two-time First-Team All-Conference linebacker CJ Hangartner. Noah Cracraft and Tanner Philpott return as all-conference honorees from the 2024 season as well.

Central opens the season at Illinois Wesleyan on September 6th, while Simpson begins the year on the 6th at home against Augustana (Ill.).