WACO, Texas — The Pittsburg State University football team drew the No. 4 ranking in the 2026 NCAA Division II Preseason Top 25 poll released by the American Football Coaches Association today (Aug. 18).

Pitt State posted a 10-3 record in 2025 and qualified for the NCAA Division II national playoffs for a fourth consecutive season. The Gorillas also claimed their third MIAA crown in four seasons (2022, 2023, 2025) a year ago.

This marks the fourth straight season the Gorillas have been ranked in the top 10 in the AFCA Division II Preseason Top 25 poll. Pitt State was ranked No. 4 to start the year in 2023, No. 6 to open the 2024 campaign and No. 9 in the 2025 season debut.
 
The Gorillas open the season Aug. 27 by playing host to No. 1 ranked Ferris State University, the two-time defending D2 national champs, at Carnie Smith Stadium. The Gorillas and Bulldogs will meet in the season opener for a third straight year. Pitt State beat Ferris State, 19-3, in Pittsburg on Aug. 31, 2024, and the Bulldogs bested the Gorillas, 34-17, at Big Rapids, Mich., on Aug. 28, 2025.
 
Pitt State will open MIAA play by hosting Emporia State University on Sept. 5.