INDIANA, Pa. – Following a season-opening victory over No. 12 Ashland, IUP football made a significant jump in the national rankings as the Crimson Hawks prepare for Week 2 of the 2026 season.

IUP moved to No. 14 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Coaches Poll and entered the D2Football.com Top 25 at No. 19 following its 34-24 road victory over Ashland on Sept. 3.

The Crimson Hawks were previously unranked by D2Football.com.

IUP is one of three PSAC programs ranked in the D2Football.com Top 25. Kutztown remains at No. 3 following its victory over Assumption, while Slippery Rock sits at No. 14 after defeating Minnesota Duluth in Week Zero.

In the AFCA Coaches Poll, IUP climbed to No. 14, one spot behind No. 13 Slippery Rock. Kutztown remained at No. 3, giving the PSAC three teams inside the top 15.

Ashland dropped to No. 19 following its loss to the Crimson Hawks.

The top five remained unchanged in the AFCA poll. One of the week's biggest drops came from Pittsburg State, which fell from No. 10 to No. 25 following an 0-2 start. Previously unranked Emporia State entered the poll at No. 24.

Ferris State remained the nation's No. 1 team.

East Stroudsburg and California (Pa.) also represented the PSAC among teams receiving votes.

IUP returns to the road for Week 2 as the Crimson Hawks continue the opening stretch of their 2026 schedule.