INDIANA, Pa. – Despite entering the 2026 season with nearly half of its roster consisting of true freshmen or redshirt freshmen, the IUP football team will begin the year nationally ranked. The Crimson Hawks were ranked No. 25 in the AFCA Division II Coaches Poll.

IUP is coming off a 2025 season in which it hosted the opening round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Defending national champion Ferris State tops the preseason poll, while Kutztown is the highest-ranked PSAC program at No. 3 nationally. IUP is the only PSAC West program represented in the top 25.

The Crimson Hawks will be tested immediately with a ranked matchup to open the season. Week 1 opponent Ashland enters the year ranked No. 13 after finishing 10-3 in 2025 and ending the season ranked No. 15 nationally. The Eagles were also selected as the preseason favorite in the G-MAC.

No. 25 IUP and No. 13 Ashland will open the 2026 season Thursday, Sept. 3, in Ashland, Ohio. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.