KANSAS CITY, Mo. ā Five Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) football teams were recognized in the latest Netting Professionals NAIA Football Coachesā Poll, released Monday by the national office ā with McPherson College leading a strong contingent of Kansas programs making noise on the national stage.
Friends University stayed put at No. 5 after breaking into the Top 5 last week, while Southwestern College remained at No. 16. McPherson College continued its steady climb, moving up one spot into a tie for No. 20. Evangel University and Kansas Wesleyan University were among those receiving votes.
This weekās KCAC spotlight matchup features No. 5 Friends hosting No. 20 McPherson, with both teams entering undefeated in conference play. Friends leads the NAIA in rushing offense, averaging 488 yards per game, more than 200 yards better than any other program in the nation. McPherson, meanwhile, continues its best start in recent history behind a balanced attack and improving defense.
Elsewhere in Kansas, No. 3 Benedictine remains the stateās top-ranked NAIA program outside the KCAC, sitting at 5-1 heading into a road matchup with Central Methodist (Mo.). MidAmerica Nazarene of Olathe climbed to No. 22 after a 5-1 start.
The next edition of the NAIA Football Coachesā Poll will be released Monday, Oct. 20.
Top Kansas Programs in Latest NAIA Poll
5. Friends (6-0)
16. Southwestern (5-1)
T-20. McPherson (6-0)
22. MidAmerica Nazarene (5-1)
Receiving Votes: Evangel, Kansas Wesleyan