Emporia State football picked to finish third in MIAA preseason polls

The Emporia State football team was picked to finish third in both MIAA Coaches and Media Poll.

It’s the Hornets’ highest MIAA preseason ranking since 2017.

Emporia State was picked to finish behind Pittsburg State and Northwest Missouri. Pittsburg State is the preseason favorite in both polls. Emporia State did receive a first-place vote in the media poll.

Emporia State coach Garin Higgins says he’s excited to get started.

Quarterback Braden Gleason says everyone has bought in with what they want to accomplish this fall.

Defensive end Jordan Williams says he knows what the expectations are entering his sixth season in the program.

2023 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Pittsburg State (8) 98 points

2. Northwest Missouri (3) 93 points

3. Emporia State 78 points

4. Washburn 73 points

5. (tie) Central Oklahoma & Nebraska Kearney 57 points

7. Central Missouri 44 points

8. Fort Hays State 37 points

9. Missouri Western 32 points

10. Missouri Southern 26 points

11. Northeastern State 10 points

2023 MIAA Preseason Poll

1. Pittsburg State (22) 32o points

2. Northwest Missouri (7) 302 points

3. Emporia State (1) 258 points

4. Washburn 209 points

5. Central Oklahoma 208 points

6. Nebraska Kearney 199 points

7. Central Missouri 124 points

8. Missouri Southern 116 points

9. Missouri Western 113 points

10. Fort Hays State 98 points

11. Northeastern State 33 points.

(First place votes)