Mules Football Ranked No. 22 in AFCA Division II Preseason Poll

WACO, Texas -- University of Central Missouri Mules football is ranked 22nd in the 2025 American Football Coaches' Association Division II Preseason Poll, which was released Monday, August 11.

The Mules compiled 149 total points in the poll for their number 22 ranking. 

The Mules welcome back 11 starters from last season's Heritage Bowl Championship Team that posted an overall record of 9-3 and finished tied for third in the MIAA at 6-3. 

Among the returning starters for UCM are 2024 All-MIAA selections Jack Pospisil (wide receiver), LaAngelo Bell (running back), Hogan Wasson (wide receiver) and Austin Bressler (linebacker). 

Ferris State (Michigan), the defending national champion, is the preseason favorite in the poll, tallying 773 points and 30 first-place votes. 

Fellow MIAA teams Central Oklahoma (No. 5) and Pittsburg State (No. 9) are also ranked in the 2025 AFCA Division II Preseason Poll. 

UCM is scheduled to kick-off its 2025 season Thursday, Aug. 28, at 6 p.m. at Delta State in Cleveland, Miss.  Central Missouri's home opener, which is also the annual Get the Red Out game, is slated for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, at Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field in Warrensburg against preseason No. 6-ranked Colorado State-Pueblo.