October 5, 2026
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Dakota State (S.D.) remained in the national rankings Sunday, coming in at No. 23 in the latest STADIONIC NAIA Football Coaches' Top 25 Poll. The national poll was released by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
The Trojans slipped one spot from No. 22 after falling 33-21 to No. 6 Montana Tech in the Frontier East Division Saturday afternoon at Brian Kern Family Stadium on Blankley Field. Dakota State is 4-2 overall and has been ranked in each of the five NAIA polls released during the 2026 season.
DSU opened the season at No. 25 in the preseason poll. The Trojans moved up to No. 23 in the first regular-season poll on Sept. 14 before climbing to a season-high No. 21 on Sept. 21. Dakota State slipped to No. 22 on Sept. 28 and is No. 23 this week.
Dakota State is one of four Frontier Conference teams ranked in the latest national poll. College of Idaho (5-0 overall record, 1-0 FC West) moved into sole possession of the No. 1 ranking, receiving eight of the 12 first-place votes. Montana Tech (5-1, 1-0 FC East) remained at No. 6 after its victory over Dakota State, while Carroll (Mont.) (4-1, 1-0 FC West) climbed one spot to No. 12.
Keiser (Fla.) dropped from a tie for first to No. 2 and received the remaining four first-place votes. Indiana Wesleyan stayed at No. 3, followed by Benedictine (Kan.) at No. 4 and Grand View (Iowa) at No. 5.
Dakota State continues Frontier Conference East Division play Saturday, hosting Dickinson State (N.D.) at Brian Kern Family Stadium on Blankley Field. The Trojan football team will honor their seniors at least 30 minutes prior to 3 p.m. kick-off time.
Dakota State in the 2026 NAIA Football Coaches' Top 25
- Preseason (Aug. 24): No. 25
- Sept. 14: No. 23
- Sept. 21: No. 21
- Sept. 28: No. 22
- Oct. 5: No. 23
