ALVA, Okla. – The Great American Conference released the annual 2026 preseason coaches' poll, voted on by the conference coaches. The Northwestern Rangers enter the year picked fifth.

Harding finished first in the poll with 35 points and five first place votes, with Oklahoma Baptist coming in second with 32 points and two first place votes. Southern Arkansas received 24 points to round out the top three, and Ouachita Baptist came in fourth with 19 points. Northwestern came in fifth with 15 points, with East Central and Southern Nazarene rounding out the conference with East Central in sixth with 12 points and Southern Nazarene in seventh with 10 points.

The Rangers will be in action on March 27, as they travel to Shawnee for the OBU All-Comers Meet hosted by Oklahoma Baptist.

For the latest news and updates on NWOSU Athletics, follow @NWOSUAthletics on TWITTER or visit www.riderangersride.com.