KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Aug. 2, 2016) – The MIAA released the 2016 preseason coaches and media polls Tuesday morning, with the Central Missouri Mules picked second in both polls. The conference made the announcement at the MIAA Football Media Day at Sporting Park.

In the coaches poll, the Mules totaled 110 points and one first-place vote. Defending National Champions Northwest Missouri sat atop the poll with 120 points and 10-of-12 first-place votes. Pittsburg State and Emporia State tied for third place with 87 points with the Gorillas claiming the final first-place vote. Central Oklahoma rounded out the top-five grabbing 86 points.

The Mules tallied 392 points in the media poll, again sitting in second behind the Bearcats who garnered all 39 first-place votes and 468 total points. Pittsburg State (349 points), Emporia State (325) and Fort Hays State (316) round out the top-five in the media poll.

Central Missouri finished the 2015 season 8-3 overall. They'll return 48 letterwinners and 19 starters from last year's squad.

The 2016 season kicks off Thursday, Sept. 1 on the road at Pittsburg State with a 7 p.m. kickoff from Carnie Smith Stadium.  

2016 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Northwest Missouri (10) - 120

2. Central Missouri (1) - 110
T3. Pittsburg State (1) - 87

T3. Emporia State - 87

5. Central Oklahoma - 86

6. Fort Hays State - 80

7. Missouri Western - 62

8. Washburn - 56

9. Northeastern State - 31

10. Missouri Southern - 27

11. Nebraska-Kearney - 25

12. Lindenwood - 21

2016 MIAA Preseason Media Poll

1. Northwest Missouri (39) - 468

2. Central Missouri  - 392
3. Pittsburg State  - 349

4. Emporia State - 325

5. Fort Hays State - 316

6. Central Oklahoma - 310

7. Missouri Western - 264

8. Washburn - 217

9. Lindenwood - 132

10. Northeastern State - 117

11. Missouri Southern - 84

12. Nebraska-Kearney - 68