The Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats have been chosen by both media and coaches as the preseason favorite to win the 2021 MIAA football championship. MIAA football is returning in 2021 after last season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The season will kick off on Thursday night, September 2nd, with teams playing 11 games in conference play running up to November 13th.
In the coaches poll, Northwest Missouri earned 120 points and the majority of the first-place votes with 10 for the top spot on the poll. Central Missouri and Fort Hays State each received one first-place vote and 105 points apiece to tie for second. Nebraska Kearney claimed the fourth spot with 86 points and Missouri Western game in fifth with 71 points.
Washburn was tabbed sixth as Pittsburg State was seventh and Emporia State was eighth. Central Oklahoma was selected in the ninth spot with Missouri Southern and Northeastern State tying 10th. Lincoln rounded out the final spot of the 2021 Coaches’ Preseason Poll.
2021 MIAA Football Preseason Coaches Poll
- Northwest Missouri (10) – 120 points
- T-2. Central Missouri (1) – 105 points
- T-2. Fort Hays State (1) – 105 points
- Nebraska Kearney – 86 points
- Missouri Western – 71 points
6. Washburn – 69 points
7. Pittsburg State – 66 points
8. Emporia State – 55 points
9. Central Oklahoma – 52 points
T-10. Missouri Southern – 24 points
T-10. Northeastern State – 24 points
12. Lincoln – 15 points
Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team.
Media Poll
Again, Northwest Missouri claimed the top spot with 142 points and 10 first-place votes. Central Missouri earned the out-right number two spot on the poll with 124 total points and one first-place vote. Fort Hays State also earned one first-place vote and came in third on the poll with 120 points.
Missouri Western beat out Nebraska Kearney for the fourth stop with 99 total points while the Lopers came in fifth with 98 points.
Pittsburg State was tabbed sixth as Washburn was seventh and Central Oklahoma was eighth. Emporia State was selected in the ninth spot with Missouri Southern in the 10th position and Northeastern State at 11th. Lincoln rounded out the final spot of the 2021 Coaches’ Preseason Poll.
2021 MIAA Football Preseason Media Poll
1. Northwest Missouri (10) – 142 points
2. Central Missouri (1) – 124 points
3. Fort Hays State (1) – 120 points
4. Missouri Western – 99 points
5. Nebraska Kearney – 98 points
6. Pittsburg State – 91 points
7. Washburn – 70 points
8. Central Oklahoma – 62 points
9. Emporia State – 56 points
10. Missouri Southern – 33 points
11. Northeastern State – 25 points
12. Lincoln – 16 points
In Lindy’s Sports College Football Preview edition, Northwest Missouri State was ranked #6 nationally, with senior offensive lineman Tanner Owen and senior defensive lineman Sam Roberts both named to the preseason D-2 First-Team All-America team.
Northwest will open the 2021 season at Fort Hays State on Thursday, September 2nd, with the home opener against Lincoln set for Thursday, September 9th.
