FB: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Gotberg]

NPU has it's roster posted:

https://athletics.northpark.edu/sports/football/roster/coaches/kyle-rooker/1363

I also want to share my appreciation for Rooker being our coach.  I've never met him, but I think he does a great job of representing NPU and it's mission.  While I don't want to settle, the way the players and parents seem to connect with him and how he prepares them in life, goes beyond just W/L's.

[Gregory Sager]

NPU has it's roster posted:

https://athletics.northpark.edu/sports/football/roster/coaches/kyle-rooker/1363

I also want to share my appreciation for Rooker being our coach.  I've never met him, but I think he does a great job of representing NPU and it's mission.  While I don't want to settle, the way the players and parents seem to connect with him and how he prepares them in life, goes beyond just W/L's.

Absolutely agree. NPU football is blessed to have Kyle Rooker running the show. I've seen more North Park coaches  than I can count come and go over the many years that I've followed Vikings sports, and I say without hesitation that Rook is one of my all-time favorites -- not just because of what he's accomplished but because of who he is and what he stands for.

[D3fanboy]

Wheaton players reported yesterday. Season begins vs #3 Mt Union visiting MCully Stadium for the first time in the history of these programs.

Preseason All American teams were released by D3FB. I can't remember a time when there was only 1 Mt Union player on the 3 offensive and defensive teams listed. Mt Union Qb Matt Maloney is the 2nd team QB. Wheaton reps on the list include: 2nd Team OL Aiden Byrne, 2nd Team LB Zeke Harris and S Colin Moore, 3rd Team Punter Josiah Smith. Tough duty when a Gagliardi semifinalist QB can't crack this list. N

For #1 NCC vs #2 Bethel here are the Pre Season AA's:

NCC: 1st Team QB Garret Wilson, OT Cortez Kennedy, 3rd Team Def LB Matt Janiak
Bethel: 1st Team WR (Gagliardi finalist) Albert Rundell, 2nd Team OC Jaegar Ash, 3rd Team QB Cooper Drews; 1st Team Def Phil Conant

No other CCIW players made the list.

This has a feel of the season NCC loses a regular season game for the first time since 2019. Bethel and Wheaton both with more players on the pre-season AA teams obviously doesn't make it a given but it certainly gives off the vibe. Maybe even *gulp* 2 losses and missing the playoffs is on the table!

oh please.  NCC has been to 6 straight Staggs.  Now they are going to lose to....Bethel?  C'mon

Bethel's offense is getting it's own name due to it's speed and output, as we know, this is NCC's achille's heel.

Minnesota football hasn't really mattered nationally since the MIAC kicked out St Thomas for winning, but this is "the year"....

[CCIWFan69]

Wheaton players reported yesterday. Season begins vs #3 Mt Union visiting MCully Stadium for the first time in the history of these programs.

Preseason All American teams were released by D3FB. I can't remember a time when there was only 1 Mt Union player on the 3 offensive and defensive teams listed. Mt Union Qb Matt Maloney is the 2nd team QB. Wheaton reps on the list include: 2nd Team OL Aiden Byrne, 2nd Team LB Zeke Harris and S Colin Moore, 3rd Team Punter Josiah Smith. Tough duty when a Gagliardi semifinalist QB can't crack this list. N

For #1 NCC vs #2 Bethel here are the Pre Season AA's:

NCC: 1st Team QB Garret Wilson, OT Cortez Kennedy, 3rd Team Def LB Matt Janiak
Bethel: 1st Team WR (Gagliardi finalist) Albert Rundell, 2nd Team OC Jaegar Ash, 3rd Team QB Cooper Drews; 1st Team Def Phil Conant

No other CCIW players made the list.

This has a feel of the season NCC loses a regular season game for the first time since 2019. Bethel and Wheaton both with more players on the pre-season AA teams obviously doesn't make it a given but it certainly gives off the vibe. Maybe even *gulp* 2 losses and missing the playoffs is on the table!

oh please.  NCC has been to 6 straight Staggs.  Now they are going to lose to....Bethel?  C'mon

Bethel's offense is getting it's own name due to it's speed and output, as we know, this is NCC's achille's heel.

Minnesota football hasn't really mattered nationally since the MIAC kicked out St Thomas for winning, but this is "the year"....

Only 3 preseason AAs... looking like a 5-5 season for NCC

[CarollFan]

Seeing some posts that ARC and OAC submitted a proposal for D3 to adopt the 5 year eligibility rule mirroring D1 and D2. Will be voted on next year, I believe in January.

[cciw83]

I'm going way,way,way back in time for a period in the mid 1970's which fell under the radar for the amount of talent. There were not the recruiting service stars and the same quality video available at that time, so CCIW schools managed to recruit a number of players who reached or had a shot at the next level. The conference was also very competitive at that time period.

Jim Jodat (RB) Carthage 8 seasons in the NFL, played in a Super Bowl with LA Rams
Caesar Douglas (OT) Illinois Wesleyan   NFL San Francisco, Chicago Bears and Canadian Football League
Jim Snikeris (LB) Illinois Wesleyan NFL  One season Denver Broncos
Tim Ehlebracht (WR) North Central NFL Chicago Bears
FREE AGENTS
Mike Spejcher (QB) North Central   Seattle Seahawks
Bob Helf (WR) Carroll    Green Bay Packers
Louis James (DB) Millikin to be verified Cleveland Browns

I know I am missing more. There was a TE from Elmhurst who I believe got a look from the Miami Dolphins. If you go back further Kenny Anderson, (QB) Augustana 1970 , 16 seasons in the NFL

[CarollFan]

I'm going way,way,way back in time for a period in the mid 1970's which fell under the radar for the amount of talent. There were not the recruiting service stars and the same quality video available at that time, so CCIW schools managed to recruit a number of players who reached or had a shot at the next level. The conference was also very competitive at that time period.

Jim Jodat (RB) Carthage 8 seasons in the NFL, played in a Super Bowl with LA Rams
Caesar Douglas (OT) Illinois Wesleyan  NFL San Francisco, Chicago Bears and Canadian Football League
Jim Snikeris (LB) Illinois Wesleyan NFL  One season Denver Broncos
Tim Ehlebracht (WR) North Central NFL Chicago Bears
FREE AGENTS
Mike Spejcher (QB) North Central  Seattle Seahawks
Bob Helf (WR) Carroll    Green Bay Packers
Louis James (DB) Millikin to be verified Cleveland Browns

I know I am missing more. There was a TE from Elmhurst who I believe got a look from the Miami Dolphins. If you go back further Kenny Anderson, (QB) Augustana 1970 , 16 seasons in the NFL

Maybe a couple names listed here that fit that timeframe.

https://cciw.org/sports/2011/11/28/FB_1128113326.aspx?id=717

[Gregory Sager]

Preseason coaches poll:

1. North Central	64 (8)
2. Wheaton	57 (1)
3. Augustana	47
4. Illinois Wesleyan	45
5. Carroll	32
6. Carthage	29
7. North Park	25
8. Millikin	17
9. Elmhurst	8

[CarollFan]

Preseason coaches poll:

1. North Central	64 (8)
2. Wheaton	57 (1)
3. Augustana	47
4. Illinois Wesleyan	45
5. Carroll	32
6. Carthage	29
7. North Park	25
8. Millikin	17
9. Elmhurst	8

https://cciw.org/news/2026/8/17/north-central-tabbed-as-unanimous-preseason-football-favorite-for-fifth-straight-season.aspx

Can't argue with it. NCC #1, Wheaton #5 in all of D3. Augie and IWU returning 2nd team All CCIW QB's and alot of starters.

Carroll will have a new starting QB and has to replace alot of production on offense they got last year from TE Reed Breckheimer and RB Mikey Coleman. Looking forward to see who steps up.