HUTCHINSON, Kan. â Fresh off a share of the 2024 NJCAA Division I football national title, Hutchinson Community College will open the 2025 season ranked No. 1 in the JCGridiron Dirty 30 Preseason Rankings, released July 4.
The Blue Dragons top the national list, edging out Iowa Western and defending co-champion San Mateo. San Mateo, which claimed the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) title, shares last yearâs national crown with Hutchinson.
This marks the second straight year the Blue Dragons open the season with the preseason No. 1 ranking.
Hutchinson begins its 2025 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 6, with a road matchup at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico.
The Blue Dragons have been a consistent national contender, appearing in three of the last five NJCAA championship games and winning or sharing the national title in both 2021 and 2024.
JCGridironâs rankings are based on roster strength, coaching continuity, and key positional talent â especially at quarterback. Hutchinsonâs veteran leadership and key offseason additions helped solidify its top ranking.
Rounding out the top five are Iowa Western, San Mateo, Garden City and Mt. San Antonio.
Hutchinson is one of three Kansas programs featured in the preseason rankings. Garden City makes a surprising jump to No. 4 following a 1-10 season in 2023 that was later adjusted due to forfeitures, while Butler lands at No. 20 after going 7-4.