The Emporia State football team was selected fifth by the coaches and sixth by the media in the 2025 MIAA Football Preseason Polls released on Monday. Central Oklahoma is the preseason pick of the coaches with seven first-place votes while Pitt State was slotted second with three first-place votes. The Gorillas edged out the Bronchos in the media poll for first despite receiving fewer first-place votes. PSU was picked first 13 times in the media poll while UCO got the top slot on 18 ballots. Fort Hays State was picked third with two first-place votes and Central Missouri was fourth with the final first-place selection. Head coach Garin Higgins said he’s ready for the season.
Returning defensive lineman C. J. Adams says his biggest goal for the summer has been to help the new Hornets integrate with the program.
Leading returning wide receiver Trenden Collins is excited for a new role.
Emporia State begins training camp on August 4. We’ll provide training camp reports each afternoon during camp across the entire KVOE network of stations.
2025 MIAA FOOTBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Central Oklahoma [7] – 78 points
2. Pittsburg State [3] – 75 points
3. Fort Hays State – 62 points
4. Central Missouri – 57 points
5. Emporia State – 50 points
6. Northwest Missouri – 41 points
7. Missouri Western – 29 points
8. Nebraska Kearney – 28 points
9. Washburn – 21 points
10. Missouri Southern – 9 points
[#] – Number of First Place Votes
2025 MIAA FOOTBALL PRESEASON MEDIA POLL
1. Pittsburg State [13] – 310 points
2. Central Oklahoma [18] – 307 points
3. Fort Hays State [2] – 271 points
4. Central Missouri [1] – 239 points
5. Northwest Missouri – 215 points
6. Emporia State – 167 points
7. Nebraska Kearney – 120 points
8. Missouri Western – 107 points
9. Washburn – 88 points
10. Missouri Southern – 46 points
[#] – Number of First Place Votes
