CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The American Rivers Conference has released its 2025 football preseason coaches' poll on Friday, Aug. 22 with Wartburg being picked to win the conference with five first-place votes.
The Knights will open the regular season on Saturday, Sept. 6 at home against Monmouth College at 7:00 p.m. in Waverly, Iowa.
Full Poll:
2025 American Rivers Conference
Football Preseason Coaches' Poll |
| Place |
Team (First-place votes) |
Points |
| 1. |
Wartburg (5) |
61 |
| 2. |
Central (3) |
58 |
| 3. |
Coe (1) |
49 |
| 4. |
Univ. of Dubuque |
46 |
| 5. |
Simpson |
35 |
| 6. |
Nebraska Wesleyan |
27 |
| 7. |
Loras |
24 |
| 8. |
Buena Vista |
16 |
| 9. |
Luther |
8 |
A-R-C Preview
Wartburg College enters 2025 after a 10-2 season and an unbeaten 8-0 A-R-C record that secured the league title. Head coach
Chris Winter, now in his fifth season (43-7 record), returns six starters on both offense and defense, including All-Conference standouts
Keenan Tyler,
Dawson Rud,
Mac Watts,
Jake Walker,
Jaxson Hoppes, and
Austin Souhrada. With 17 NCAA playoff appearances in program history, the Knights are aiming to defend their crown behind a hungry and experienced core. The Knights are ranked preseason No. 9 by
D3football.com.
"Our team is excited for the opportunity to get back on the field this fall," added Winter. "Our goal for the 2025 season is to be in a position to compete for an American Rivers Conference football championship. We have a hungry group ready to lead us through another difficult American Rivers Conference schedule, and we are looking forward to the challenge."
