INDIANAPOLIS - The Upper Iowa football team was picked third in the 2026 GLVC Preseason Coaches' Poll, which was released at Friday's GLVC Football Kickoff. This marks the second straight season the Peacocks were picked third in the poll.
Reigning GLVC Champions UIndy was picked first with seven first-place votes and 63 points. Truman State (Mo.) picked up two first-place votes in second with 58 total points. The Peacocks received 46 total points in the poll. Missouri S&T received 40 points in fourth and Quincy (Ill.) came in fifth with 33.
Upper Iowa is coming off a 9-3 season in 2025, marking the most wins in a single season in program history. The Peacocks also won their first postseason game, 37-28, over Hillsdale (Mich.) in the Albanese Candy Bowl.
Head Coach Jason Hoskins, entering his fifth year, returns only five starters from last season's campaign. Upper Iowa totaled 18 selections for GLVC All-Conference in 2025, including Co-Special Teams Player of the Year in kicker/punter Nathan Behne. UIU also returns All-GLVC selections in running back Jayden Gordon (Second Team), linebacker Evan Dorn (Honorable Mention) and defensive lineman Demontay Mack (Honorable Mention).
The Peacocks start the season in Harms-Eischeid Stadium on Aug. 29 against Jamestown (N.D.). UIU has five home games this season, highlighted by a homecoming matchup vs. Truman State on Oct. 10.
2026 GLVC FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLL
| Place |
School |
Points (first-place votes) |
| 1. |
Indianapolis |
63 (7) |
| 2. |
Truman State |
58 (2) |
| 3. |
Upper Iowa |
46 |
| 4. |
Missouri S&T |
40 |
| 5. |
Quincy |
33 |
| T-6. |
McKendree |
27 |
T-6.
8.
9. |
Southwest Baptist
William Jewell
Lincoln |
27
22
8 |
