Northwestern Picked as Favorite in GPAC Football Poll
(Sioux City, Iowa) – The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) has announced the preseason football coaches’ poll for the 2023 season. Northwestern is the preseason pick to win the GPAC championship.
(Sioux City, Iowa) – The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) has announced the preseason football coaches' poll for the 2023 season. Northwestern is the preseason pick to win the GPAC championship.
Northwestern was the 2022 NAIA Football National Champion, finishing with a record of 13-1 after defeating Keiser University in the title game by a score of 35-25. Morningside picked up an opening round win in NAIA Football Championship Series before falling to the Keiser in the second round.
The Red Raiders of Northwestern totaled 98 points and eight first place votes. Morningsdie was picked second with 93 points and three first place votes. Dordt was picked third with 78 points and Midland was fourth with 75. Hastings rounded out the top five with 59 points. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.
New in 2023 is the NAIA Football Championship Series (FCS) will expand from 16 to 20 teams.
2023 GPAC Preseason Football Coaches' Poll:
| Place | Team | Points | First Place Votes |
| 1. | Northwestern | 98 | 8 |
| 2. | Morningside | 93 | 3 |
| 3. | Dordt | 78 | |
| 4. | Midland | 75 | |
| 5. | Hastings | 59 | |
| 6. | Concordia | 57 | |
| 7. | Jamestown | 38 | |
| 8. | Doane | 36 | |
| 9. | Mount Marty | 30 | |
| 10. | Dakota Wesleyan | 27 | |
| 11. | Briar Cliff | 14 |
Games for the 2023 season kick off on Thursday, August 24 and Saturday, August 26, with a handful of teams playing non-conference games. Conference action starts on Saturday, September 2.