WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- University of Central Missouri Mules Football is back in the top 25 national rankings for the first time in 2026. The Mules debuted at No. 21 in the D2Football.com Division II Top 25 Media Poll released on Monday morning, Sept. 28. 

Central Missouri, which enters the week with an overall record of 3-1 and a MIAA mark of 2-0, is one of three MIAA football programs in the rankings. Emporia State (4-0) is ranked No. 10, Northwest Missouri State (3-1) is No. 11, and the Mules are No. 21. 

Defending National Champion Ferris State (4-0) sits atop the poll, while Harding (4-0) is second, and Minnesota State (5-0) rounds out the top-three in third. 

The Mules are back home at Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field this weekend, hosting Central Oklahoma on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. in the annual University of Central Missouri Military Appreciation Game. 

Tickets are available for purchase at UCMAthletics.com/tickets.