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 fifth.

East Central was first in the poll with 46 points and five first-place votes, with Harding not far behind in second with 42 points and one first-place vote, and Oklahoma Baptist in third with 41 points and two first-place votes.

Ouachita Baptist came in fourth with 31 points, while Northwestern received 22 points for fifth place. Southern Arkansas was placed sixth with 21 points, while Southern Nazarene received 14 points for seventh, and Arkansas-Monticello rounded out the poll in eighth with 7 points.

The Rangers will open the season on Sept. 4, when they travel to Lawton for the Aggie Duels hosted by Cameron University.

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