INDIANA, Pa. – The IUP football team kicks off its 2026 season in less than 24 hours, but the Crimson Hawks are already on the move in the national rankings. IUP climbed three spots to No. 22 in the latest AFCA Division II Coaches Poll after entering the season ranked No. 25.

IUP is one of two PSAC West teams ranked in the top 25. Slippery Rock made its 2026 debut in the poll at No. 18 after defeating Minnesota Duluth in a Week 0 overtime matchup.

The Crimson Hawks will immediately put their new ranking to the test against another nationally ranked opponent Thursday night.

Ashland also moved up one spot in the latest poll, climbing from No. 13 in the preseason rankings to No. 12. The Eagles host IUP in the season opener Thursday night in Ashland, Ohio.

Kutztown remains the highest-ranked PSAC program, entering its season opener at No. 3 nationally.

No. 22 IUP and No. 12 Ashland kick off Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

For complete coverage of IUP football, visit IUPAthletics.com, follow the Crimson Hawks on X at @IUPFootball and on Instagram at @iupfootball.