KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association announced its preseason polls for the 2023 football season.
 
MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy announced the results of both the 2023 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll and Media Poll in his opening statements at the 2023 MIAA Football Media Day on Tuesday, July 25 in Kansas City.
 
Defending MIAA Champion Pittsburg State was picked No. 1 in both the coaches poll and media poll. The Gorillas went undefeated last season to claim the 2022 title and ended the year 12-1 overall, making it to the second round of the Division II NCAA Playoffs.
 
The 2023 MIAA football season officially kicks off Thursday, August 31. Due to Lincoln University competing as a non-conference opponent, this season teams with play a 10-game conference schedule that concludes on Saturday, November 11.
 
To see a complete a complete schedule of the 2023 MIAA football season, click here.
 
PRESEASON COACHES POLL
Pittsburg State was picked to win the league by MIAA head coaches. The Gorillas totaled eight first-place picks and 98 points. Northwest Missouri was selected No. 2 in the coaches poll with the remaining three first-place votes and 93 points. The Bearcats finished second in the MIAA last season with a league record of 9-2. Northwest joined the Gorillas in the 2022 playoffs, also making it to the second round.
 
Emporia State was tabbed third by MIAA coaches with a total of 78 points and Washburn was slatted fourth with 73 points. Central Oklahoma and Nebraska Kearney tied for fifth with 57 points apiece to conclude the coaches’ top-six picks for the 2023 season.
 
Coming in at No. 7 in the poll was Central Missouri with 44 points. Fort Hays State was picked No. 8 with 37 points and Missouri Western finished No. 9 with 32 points while Missouri Southern and Northeastern State concluded the coaches poll in 10th and 11th, respectfully.
 
2023 RESULTS:
1. Pittsburg State (8) – 98 points
2. Northwest Missouri (3) – 93 points
3. Emporia State – 78 points
4. Washburn – 73 points
T5. Central Oklahoma – 57 points
T5. Nebraska Kearney – 57 points
7. Central Missouri – 44 points
8. Fort Hays State – 37 points 
9. Missouri Western – 32 points
10. Missouri Southern – 26 points
11. Northeastern State – 10 points


PRESEASON MEDIA POLL
Media members covering all 11 MIAA football institutions also picked Pittsburg State to finish at the top of the league this season. The Gorillas accumulated 320 total points and received 22 first-place selections.
 
The Bearcats totaled 302 points and seven first-place nods to be named runner-up of the media poll. Emporia State was picked No. 3 with 258 points. The Hornets received one first-place pick. The Ichabods were selected No. 4 with 209 points while the Bronchos wrapped up the media’s top-five with 208 points.
 
The Lopers finished No. 6 with 199 points and the Mules were picked No. 7 with 124 points. The Lions jumped two spots in the media poll, coming in at No. 8 with 116 points. Missouri Western was picked No. 9 with 113 points, the Fort Hays State was No. 10 with 98 points and Northeastern State was No. 11 with 33 points.
 
2023 RESULTS:
1. Pittsburg State (22) – 320 points
2. Northwest Missouri (7) – 302 points
3. Emporia State (1) – 258 points
4. Washburn – 209 points
5. Central Oklahoma – 208 points
6. Nebraska Kearney – 199 points
7. Central Missouri – 124 points
8. Missouri Southern – 116 points
9. Missouri Western – 113 points
10. Fort Hays State – 98 points 
11. Northeastern State – 33 points