2025 NSIC Football Preseason Coaches Poll

8/5/2025 10:00:00 AM

MINNESOTA STATE TOPS NSIC FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLL

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BURNSVILLE, Minn. - Minnesota State University, Mankato was selected by the league coaches as the preseason favorite in the NSIC for 2025. The Mavericks received 11 first place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own team) and amassed 167 points, 14 points ahead of the defending NSIC Champions, Augustana,  which was second with 153 points and the other three first place votes. Minnesota Duluth was third with 139 points while Bemidji State was fourth with 130 points.  UMD and BSU also tied for the top spot in the North Division while MSU was top of the South Division poll. 

In 2025, the NSIC returns to 14 teams with the addition of the University of Jamestown.  The schedule will be broken into two divisions (north/south). Each team will play 10 conference games that will count towards the NSIC Overall Championship, of which six divisional games will count towards the NSIC North/South Division Championships. In all, three league champions will be awarded (Overall Champion, North Division Champion, South Division Champion). Ties will not be broken for overall or division champions. 

The 2025 NSIC Football schedule is set to begin on Thursday, August 28 with non-conference action.  The Minnesota Duluth versus Winona State game, the first NCAA Division II contest played at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota, will be a non-conference game.  

Preseason Players of the Year

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#15 Jack Strand (QB, 6-5, 240, Sr., Bloomer, Wis. / Bloomer HS) - MSU Moorhead
  • All-NSIC First Team selection (2024, 2023)
  • Harlon Hill Trophy Nominee (2024, 2023)
  • Don Hansen Gazette All-America Honorable Mention (2024, 2023)
  • D2Football.Com Elite 100 ‘Squad’ (2024)
  • NSIC Offensive Player of the Year (2023)
  • All-NSIC North Second Team (2022)
  • East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist
  • MSUM all-time leader in career passing yards (9,615), passing touchdowns (84), pass completions (944) and total offense (9,382)
  • NSIC All-Academic Team of Excellence (2024, 2023)
  • CSC Academic All-District (2024, 2023)
  • CSC Academic All-America Second Team (2024)
We’re excited for Jack’s senior season. He’s had a tremendous career so far, and we’re eager to see how he’s continued to grow over the last year. Jack brings a calm, steady presence to our program, and while he’s an outstanding football player, he’s an even better person. His leadership will be critical to our success as a team.
Head Coach Steve Laqua
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#12 Gunnar Hensley (QB, 6-2, 210, Jr., Carlsbad, Calif. / Mission Hills HS) - Augustana
  • All-NSIC Second Team (2024)
  • Made 11 appearances, including 10 starts under center
  • Threw for 2515 yards and 18 touchdowns while completing 66.8 percent of his passes
  • Added 179 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown
  • Threw for a season-high 358 yards and four touchdowns while also catching a touchdown against Northern State (9/21)
  • Followed that performance with 311 yards and four touchdowns in the air against MSU Moorhead (9/28)
Gunnar became our starting quarterback in game three last season and did a tremendous job directing our offense both by his play and his leadership. Gunnar has the ability to make every throw and the athleticism to be a threat running the ball as well. He was one of the nation's leaders in completion percentage last year and with a new offensive coordinator and some scheme additions is primed to have another great campaign in 2025.
Head Coach Jerry Olszewski
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#54 Jake Adams (LB, 6-0, 235, Jr., Pulaski, Wis. / Pulaski HS) - Northern State
  • 2024 D2CCA, AP, Walter Camp, & Don Hansen All-American
  • 2024 D2Football.com Elite 100 recipient
  • Broke the Northern State single season tackle record
  • Led the NSIC with 147 tackles
  • Ranked second in total tackles and third in tackles per game in NCAA Division II
  • The first defensive All-American for NSU in the Division II era
  • Recorded seven games with double digit tackles, including two with 20
I have run out of superlatives for Jake Adams and he has two seasons left to play for the Wolves. He is a great player but he is such a great teammate, leader, student, and overall person. He's what you hope your own sons grow up to be like. He is a very humble and kind teammate but also plays with an edge when he steps within the white lines. Jake is likely the only returning First Team All-American in Division II football; all others either graduated or transferred. That says a lot about Jake Adams as a man and a teammate.
Head Coach Mike Schmidt
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#97 Carter Sitzman (DE, 6-4, 260, Jr., Lincoln, Neb. / Lincoln Christian HS) - Wayne State
  • Started all 11 games at defensive end 
  • Led the NSIC in tackles for loss (15.5) and also led the NSIC in sacks per game (.64)
  • Voted D2CCA All-Super Region 4 Second Team
  • Earned NSIC First Team All-Conference Honors
  • Credited with 54 tackles, three QB hurries, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble
  • Had career high 10 tackles and two sacks (10 yards) vs. Sioux Falls 
  • Earned NSIC Academic All-Conference Honors.
Carter is one of the best returning players in our league and has had a great offseason. His work ethic and competitive spirit makes Carter a special player. Carter has really stepped up his role as leader in our program this offseason.
Head Coach Logan Masters

2025 NSIC COACHES' QUOTES/PLAYERS TO WATCH

AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY

I am excited about the challenge of trying to again compete for a conference championship while replacing thirteen very impactful starters along with many play makers and coaching staff from last year's championship team. I believe we have recruited well and have the talent to challenge the top teams in the NSIC. I love the commitment to the standard our men have embraced and the belief they have in our program and each other. I believe we will be a team that will improve throughout the year and look forward to the challenges ahead of us.
Head Coach Jerry Olszewski
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Gunnar became our starting quarterback in game three last season and did a tremendous job directing our offense both by his play and his leadership. Gunnar has the ability to make every throw and the athleticism to be a threat running the ball as well. He was one of the nation's leaders in completion percentage last year and with a new offensive coordinator and some scheme additions is primed to have another great campaign in 2025.
Head Coach Jerry Olszewski
Logan will be a three year starter and multi-year all-conference safety. Logan has played with some of the best safeties in our schools history and is ready to lead our secondary with his play and experience. With the graduation of some key players on our defense and in our secondary Logan will be charged with directing the next generation of players with the same standard we have always had. His athleticism matched with his intelligence make him special and successful.
Head Coach Jerry Olszewski

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

This year's squad returns a lot of veteran pieces that have been playing in our deep runs in the NCAA Playoffs the past four seasons. The strength of the team should be on the offensive side of the ball where we return 10 OL with game experience, three starters and multiple all conference players. We return all but one of our RB, FB's and TE's including our top two FB's who were injured early in season last year. On defense our strengths will be in our LB corps and secondary. We will need to reload on the DL, but are excited to see our youngsters show what they can do.
Head Coach Brent Bolte
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Jayden has emerged as one of our leaders on the offensive side of the ball since taking over the starting RB last season as a So. His measurables might be imposing but his mentality and toughness bring a unique style of play. Whatever is asked, he is a guy who is going to do it for the team.
Head Coach Brent Bolte
Kam transferred in last season and had the job of replacing one of the best nickels that has played at BSU and he did so with flying colors. He unique blend of athletic ability and physicality allows him to be great in coverage and in the run game. Kam has also emerged as a leader for this team and has done a great job getting this younger defense to play at our standard we have here at Bemidji State.
Head Coach Brent Bolte

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL

What excites us most about the 2025 Golden Bear Football season is the unwavering commitment our team has shown this offseason. The work ethic across the board has been the strongest we've seen in recent years. With a powerful blend of impact transfers, emerging young talent ready to take the next step, and key staff additions, the energy within our program is at an all-time high. Most importantly, there's a growing belief in one another that is laying the foundation for something special. This team has all the pieces to be one of the NSIC’s biggest surprises this fall.
Head Coach Shannon Currier
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Troy enters the 2025 season poised to be one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NSIC. A true game-changer, he has earned a nomination for NSIC Preseason Player of the Year, and for good reason. With elite speed (4.47 on uprising SR day), explosive route running, and the versatility to line up anywhere in our offensive formation, Troy is set to be the centerpiece of our attack. Whether out wide, in the slot, or motioned into the backfield, his presence on the field forces defenses to account for him on every snap. Ellison’s work ethic and football IQ are equally impressive. He’s elevated his game in the offseason, taking on a leadership role and refining his craft to become a complete offensive weapon.
Head Coach Shannon Currier
Ben returns in 2025 as the heart of the Golden Bears defense. A seasoned veteran with big-game experience, Ben brings the total package: athleticism, football IQ, and a relentless drive to make plays. What sets Ben apart is his instinct for the football. Over the past few seasons, he’s created numerous turnovers and has consistently made momentum-shifting plays. He is savvy in pass coverage, brings physicality to the run defense, and seems to be around the ball often. We love the combination of his high-level experience and elite understanding of the game. He’s a leader on and off the field and plays with the type of confidence and energy that elevates the entire defense. Ben is primed to be one of the top defenders in the NSIC this fall, and we can’t wait to see him lead the charge for what’s shaping up to be a special season.
Head Coach Shannon Currier

UNIVERSITY OF JAMESTOWN

What excites me most about this year’s team is the leadership and accountability our guys are showing. There’s a real hunger to compete and get better every single day. We’ve got a strong core of returners who understand the standard, and a group of newcomers who are already embracing the culture. This team plays for each other, and that brotherhood shows up in how we work, how we prepare, and how we respond to adversity. I think fans are going to love the energy and toughness we bring to the field this season.
Head Coach Brian Mistro
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Erastus is a playmaker. We expect him to have a breakout year, matching his contributions to us off the field as a leader and person. Erastus is a contagious positive energy on and off the field for the Jimmies.
Head Coach Brian Mistro
Hershell is a leader on our defense and always finds himself around the football. He is a guy that we trust to make big plays at crucial times. Hershell is a remarkable young man who has truly made the most of his college experience here at UJ.
Head Coach Brian Mistro

UNIVERSITY OF MARY

Like all teams in the country, our guys have worked extremely hard this offseason and we are excited to watch our team grow each and every week. I really enjoy our kids and our staff, they are fun to go to battle with each week. We feel we have added some key pieces at some very important positions that we think will help us in this very challenging league. The guys are excited and it should be a fun year!
Head Coach Shann Schillinger
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We are expecting big things from Luke going into his last season. When he has been healthy he has been a very productive player for us. He's had a good offseason and summer and I think that will show this season. He's got the right attitude to what it takes and I'm looking forward to spending one last season with him.
Head Coach Shann Schillinger
Mason is a guy that has played a lot of football in our program. He is a very bright football player that plays extremely hard. He's asked to do a lot of different things for the team, and he always takes great in pride in what he's asked to do. He has had a lot of production in his career, and we expect that to be the same this season. I've sure enjoyed coaching Mason and I'm looking forward to him having a big senior year.
Head Coach Shann Schillinger

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH

We look forward to the progression of our senior leadership and play making abilities along with a talented group of younger players. Fall camp will be an important time for us to come together as a team and start to create our 2025 identity. With some staff changes and youth it gives on our team it presents opportunities for us to develop as a program.
Head Coach Curt Wiese
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Returning this fall for his third season as our starting quarterback, Kyle will continue to be a dual threat that will enter this fall as a captain for the third time. We look forward to him leading us from the quarterback position again this fall.
Head Coach Curt Wiese
Mojo will return this fall after an All-Conference season last year. He was voted a captain this off season and has helped push our defense and team this spring. Mojo is a versatile defensive end that can rush the passer as well as play well against the run.
Head Coach Curt Wiese

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO

Excited to pick up where we left off from last year and begin a new journey in 2025! We have a strong contingency of returning players who experienced the National Semifinals of NCAA D2 Football tournament in 2024. We have also been very active in the recruitment of gifted & talented players whom we expect to make an early in impact in 2025. With a very difficult early schedule we will have to be on our A-Game to get things started properly. Excited to represent the Maverick Nation at Blakeslee Stadium!
Head Coach Todd Hoffner
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TreShawn is an explosive Player who has taken on a larger leadership role. He has earned multiple NSIC awards and owns a competitive spirit that attracts much attention. We are appreciative of his loyalty and relentless pursuit for excellence!
Head Coach Todd Hoffner
Abe has a dominant presence that warrants much attention. Along with strong leadership skills he has a fantastic attitude & an appetite for winning! With the skills to stop the run he can also rush the passer with much finesse.
Head Coach Todd Hoffner

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD

We have some important roles to fill after last year’s graduating class, but we’re confident in our seasoned group of seniors to lead the way. Offensively, we return a lot of key pieces, and we’re looking for that unit to help us find our rhythm early. Defensively, we’ll need to develop depth and replace a strong group of senior defensive linemen. We’re excited about the young talent in our program. They’ll need to mature quickly during fall camp, and if they do, we believe we can have a solid season.
Head Coach Steve Laqua
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We’re excited for Jack’s senior season. He’s had a tremendous career so far, and we’re eager to see how he’s continued to grow over the last year. Jack brings a calm, steady presence to our program, and while he’s an outstanding football player, he’s an even better person. His leadership will be critical to our success as a team.
Head Coach Steve Laqua
Tate is a true leader on our defense, using his athleticism and instincts to make plays from sideline to sideline. He had an exceptional season last year, and he’s positioned himself to have his best season yet. Our defense will lean on his playmaking ability, and we’re excited to see the impact he will have this fall.
Head Coach Steve Laqua

MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY

I'm excited about the progress we are making as a program as we've established our culture and developed an identity that is unique to us at Minot State. The NSIC is as good as it gets in D2 football and the bar is set quite high, but we are closing the gap. There is still plenty of work to be done to get where we want to go, but there is some positive momentum that is undeniable and can be felt here. I do see reason for optimism with the elevated commitment the young men in our program have made in the offseason, the physical development, the technique & fundamental improvements, our heightened collective mindset, and our improved recruiting & retention metrics. We have an excellent cast of returning players that have played a lot of football (8 starters back on defense / 5 on offense), and we have added some really talented newcomers that I would anticipate making a significant impact. Certainly, as is everybody this time of the year, we are optimistic about the upcoming season. This is a special year at Minot State as we celebrate our 100th year of football- Team 100 definitely has a great opportunity to leave a lasting legacy here in The Magic City.
Head Coach Ian Shields
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Evan is a returning 1st Team All-NSIC performer and was a Harlan Hill Award nominee a year ago (1 of 11 in Region 4). A big, physical, athletic back that has continued to develop within our flexbone offense. Evan is a high character young man and has twice been voted to our Leadership Council by his peers. With good health and continued production, I would anticipate Evan being a worthy All-American candidate this season.
Head Coach Ian Shields
Kevin is a returning 1st Team All-NSIC performer from a year ago. Kevin is a unique talent that can impact a game in many ways- a physical presence, great instincts, ability to play man coverage, a sure tackler..., just a special player on the back end. Kevin is an exceptional young man as well and sets the tone for his teammates with his outstanding work ethic and positive attitude. Kevin has a high ceiling athletically and has the ability to be amongst the best in the game.
Head Coach Ian Shields

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

Finishing the 2024 season with wins in six of our final seven games has built tremendous momentum for our program heading into 2025. We return a strong core of experienced players who have played significant time for us. Our team culture and locker room dynamic are in a great place, with a group of players who believe that NSU football can achieve big things. I’m especially excited about our senior class—though small in number, they’re a remarkable group determined to leave a lasting legacy at Northern.
Head Coach Mike Schmidt
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As a head coach, any time you can have a returning QB, you're going to be excited about the season. Daniel Britt really came on strong at the end of the season in 2024. He orchestrated multiple drives in the final minutes of games that contributed to big wins for our program. He led multiple comebacks in the second half of games and showed great leadership and poise. Daniel is an extremely hard worker and deserves every bit of success that he earns.
Head Coach Mike Schmidt
I have run out of superlatives for Jake Adams and he has two seasons left to play for the Wolves. He is a great player but he is such a great teammate, leader, student, and overall person. He's what you hope your own sons grow up to be like. He is a very humble and kind teammate but also plays with an edge when he steps within the white lines. Jake is likely the only returning First Team All-American in Division II football; all others either graduated or transferred. That says a lot about Jake Adams as a man and a teammate.
Head Coach Mike Schmidt

UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS

We are really looking forward to the 2025 season. Going into year 3, we feel that we have improved the depth of our roster to go along with a solid core group that we can rely on. This year's team has worked very hard beginning last January. We have veteran leaders in key spots that makes me excited about this team's potential.
Head Coach Jim Glogowski
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Cam is the leader of our offense. He is one of the most competitive players I have ever coached. His ability to make plays with his feet is what makes him special. He has the ability to throw with accuracy as well as take off and run with it when things break down.
Head Coach Jim Glogowski
Andy is coming off a very impressive freshmen campaign. He has the rare combination of size and speed and can make plays sideline to sideline. Not only is a physical presence on the field, he a hard working humble student of the game.
Head Coach Jim Glogowski

SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

We are very excited for the start to the 2025 season! We return multiple players on each side of the football that have competed in our program for the past 3 and 4 seasons. Our player's commitment to working & improving is at its highest level with 18 seniors providing veteran leadership that is needed to compete in the NSIC.
Head Coach Scott Underwood
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Tyler is a four year starter who is physical in the run game and displays athletic footwork in pass protection. A steady and confident influence on our offense side of the ball as well as a strong work ethic as he balances being a 2 sport student athlete and a member of our leadership council.
Head Coach Scott Underwood
Parker had a breakout, red-shirt season leading the team in several categories. He has strong instincts coupled with a competitive edge that helps guide and direct our defense. His versatility allows us to play him in multiple spots and schemes as we look forward to him having a successful sophomore season.
Head Coach Scott Underwood

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE

I am excited about the togetherness of our football team. We have a great group of core guys who know what it takes for us to be successful and they have done a really good job of bringing the newcomers in. We're excited to get back on the field together to keep growing as a football team.
Head Coach Logan Masters
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Will is a tremendous player and leader for our football program. He is a 3 year starter and our leader on the offensive side of the ball. His work ethic and how he handles himself on and off the field is what every coach wants in a young man.
Head Coach Logan Masters
Carter is one of the best returning players in our league and has had a great offseason. His work ethic and competitive spirit makes Carter a special player. Carter has really stepped up his role as leader in our program this offseason.
Head Coach Logan Masters

WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY

Defensively, we have a good mix of experience in our front seven that we are excited about. Offensively, we return a group of explosive receivers along with a quarterback that can not only affect the game with his arm but also with his legs.
Head Coach Brian Curtin
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Jackson is a natural leader. He is the first sophomore to be voted team captain. Jackson can move are offense with both his arm and his legs.
Head Coach Brian Curtin
Connor is a four year starter and has been elected captain by his teammates. He is a dynamic player in our defense. Connor shows up in both the run and pass game for us. He is reliable in all aspects of life.
Head Coach Brian Curtin
2025 NSIC Football Composite Schedule
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About the NSIC
The NSIC is a 16-team, 18-sport, NCAA Division II conference with institutions located in Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The NSIC is a model Division II conference that uses high-level athletics competition to develop champions in the classroom and community while empowering student-athletes to be impactful and positive leaders. Formed in 1992 by the merger of the Northern Intercollegiate Conference (men’s league) and the Northern Sun Conference (women’s league), the NSIC has flourished over the past quarter century, maturing into a union of Upper Midwest colleges and universities. The NSIC has won 27 team national championships and crowned 122 individual national champions. For additional information, visit NorthernSun.org.