Indiana Wesleyan picked to repeat in 2025 Preseason Poll

Three-time defending champions Indiana Wesleyan were the unanimous pick among Mideast League coaches for a fourth straight title, as the MSFA Preseason Coaches' Polls were released on Monday.

Indiana Wesleyan went a perfect 5-0 in the Mideast last season, reaching the quarterfinals of the NAIA Football Championship Series, finishing at No. 6 in the final NAIA rankings. The Wildcats have dropped just one game in the Mideast League over the past three title-clinching seasons.

Taylor, after a breakout 9-win season in 2024, were picked second in the preseason poll, ahead of Siena Heights in third. Lawrence Tech finished just ahead of Mideast League newcomers Defiance, who join after a provisional year in the Mideast last season.

To determine the preseason rankings, head coaches across the league rank their fellow Mideast League members from top to bottom, with 1st place earning 5 points, 2nd place earning 4 points, etc. Coaches are not permitted to vote for their own teams.

Taylor will kick off the 2025 season for the Mideast League, when they host Olivet Nazarene in an MSFA crossover battle on Thursday, August 28.

2025 MSFA Mideast League Preseason Poll

1.)   Indiana Wesleyan – 25 pts. (5 first-place votes)

2.)   Taylor – 21 pts. (1)

3.)   Siena Heights – 17 pts.

4.)   Lawrence Tech – 12 pts.

5.)   Defiance – 10 pts.

6.)   Madonna – 5 pts.