RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. - The Great American Conference has released the annual 2026 preseason coaches poll, voted on by the conference coaches. The Northwestern Rangers enter the year picked fourth.

Harding finished first in the poll with 31 points and three first-place votes, with Southwestern in second with 30 points and three first place votes, and Ouachita Baptist in third with 29 points and one first-place vote.

Northwestern came in fourth with 24 points, while Southern Nazarene received 13 points for fifth place. East Central and Oklahoma Baptist each received 10 points, causing a tie for sixth place.

The Rangers will open the season on August 27th, as they host Newman at the Alva Recreation Complex at 6 p.m.

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