FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Patrick Coleman]

Ranking, not a poll. I doubt there are multiple voters here.

[AndrewB]

Yes, WAY to early for a poll.  That players can still change teams, I don't know how anyone can have clarity.  This upcoming season looks wide open to me.  From everything I followed so far.  I would say La Crosse is the most talented team.  But no way they end the season #1.  Not with that schedule.  North Central just lost too much this off season.

[USee]

North Central just lost too much this off season.

This is almost funny. Have you been watching the last 5 years? Unless something dramatic has changed, North Central will have plenty of talent on the field in September.

[AndrewB]

North Central just lost too much this off season.

This is almost funny. Have you been watching the last 5 years? Unless something dramatic has changed, North Central will have plenty of talent on the field in September.

Never said they wouldn't be a top 10 team.  They won't win the Stagg Bowl in January.  Losing the 2 best players on defense will have a huge effect.  Rewatch the 2nd half against UWRF last year.  That's not a #1 overall team.  Every team - Whitewater, UMHB, Mount Union has had minor rough patches.  This could be the beginning for NC.

[hazzben]

Early ranking.

https://www.flofootball.com/articles/15952489-way-too-early-d3-football-rankings-for-2026-season

I don't know about UWRF 3rd with all their changes. Expecting a big year out of Bethel after last year. They have NCC #1 and Wheaton #7.

UWRF is going to be fascinating. They graduate Blaha, lose HC, OC and a few transfer portal guys. But they have been recruiting at a really high level the last few years. The cupboard isn't empty. But that's also a lot of elite talent to replace.

In no particular order, I'd have NCC, Mount, Wheaton, Bethel and UWRF all in my Top 5, with Wartburg and JHU knocking on the door going into the season. Based on my rough idea of what they all have returning.