WACO, Texas – Fresh off a run to the NCAA Division II semifinals last fall, Minnesota State football was ranked No. 11 in the nation in the 2025 American Football Coaches Association Division II Preseason Poll on Monday.
 
After securing their third national title in 2024, Ferris State was the preseason No. 1 team in the AFCA Division II Coaches Poll, presented by Hudl. Harding (12-2), Grand Valley State (11-2), Slippery Rock (12-2) and Central Oklahoma (11-2) rounded out the top five.
 
The Mavericks were the highest-ranking team from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. Bemidji State appeared at No. 16 and Augustana checked in at No. 23. Minnesota Duluth received national votes but was outside of the top-25.
 
Minnesota State was picked to finish first in the NSIC last week with 11 first place votes. Senior wide receiver TreShawn Watson and senior defensive lineman Abe Hestdalen were named Minnesota State's Players to Watch.

Watson was named to the All-NSIC First Team last season after he led the Maverick receiving corps with 53 catches for 808 yards and nine touchdowns. Hestdalen played in all 15 games for the Mavericks last season as he recorded 39 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss and 1.0 sacks.

Minnesota State opens its season on Thursday, August 28, as it hosts the Northwest Missouri Bearcats. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Blakeslee Stadium. The Mavericks finished 11-4 overall in 2024, including 7-3 in NSIC matchups.