POLL || WACO, Texas - Harding University's football team will begin the 2024 season as the top-ranked team in the AFCA Division II Coaches Poll, presented by Hudl. Following their undefeated 2023 season and first Division II national championship, the Bisons will defend their title starting September 5 against Southern Nazarene.
Central Missouri, who lost to Harding in last year's playoffs, secured the second spot, their highest preseason ranking ever. Conference rivals Ferris State (Mich.) and Grand Valley State (Mich.) took the third and fourth spots, respectively, each receiving a first-place vote. The Bisons defeated the Lakers in the quarterfinals last season.
The Colorado School of Mines, last season's national championship runner-up, rounds out the top five.
Ouachita Baptist appeared in the poll at 19th. Henderson State, Southern Arkansas and Oklahoma Baptist all received votes. The GAC ranks as one of seven Division II conferences with multiple top-20 schools.