WACO, Texas — The Pittsburg State University football team drew the No. 4 ranking in the 2023 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) NCAA Division II Top 25 poll released today (Aug. 14).

Pitt State enters the 2023 season with high aspirations once again following a 12-1 season a year ago. The Gorillas posted an unblemished 11-0 regular season record en route to capturing the MIAA crown. Pitt State advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II national playoffs before falling to eventual national champion Ferris State, 17-14. The Gorillas were tabbed as the preseason favorites in the 2023 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll and MIAA Preseason Media Poll released July 25.

Pitt State head coach Brian Wright, and his staff, welcomed back 14 players (seven offense, seven defense) who started four or more games during the Gorillas' 2022 MIAA Championship campaign.

Pitt State received 633 points in a vote of 30 Division II head football coaches on the AFCA poll committee.

Defending national champion Ferris State received 29 first-place votes and 725 points to earn the preseason No. 1 ranking. National runner-up Colorado School of Mines was tabbed No. 2 with 642 points, while Grand Valley State University was picked third with 641 points. Following the Gorillas, Angelo State University rounded out the top five with 590 points.

Pitt State opens the 2023 campaign by hosting Washburn on Thursday, Aug. 31, at 7 p.m. (CDT) at Carnie Smith Stadium. The Ichabods are listed among the "others receiving votes" list outside of the top 25.