(Thursday, August 14, 2025) The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) has announced the preseason football coaches' poll for the 2025 season and the Dordt Defenders are tabbed third in the annual voting.

"I've not seen a GPAC season begin with as much mystery as this year. There is a lot of roster turnover with many teams.  What I am certain of is the 2025 Dordt Defender team is hungry," said Dordt head coach Joel Penner.

The Defenders totaled 84 points after completing an 8-2 mark in 2025 and won at least seven games for the seventh straight season. Dordt enters its 10^th season under Penner who has compiled a 63-32 career mark in nine seasons. The 2024 team outscored teams 39.5 to 12.2 and outgained teams 439 to 256.

Morningside totaled 99 points and nine first place votes.  Northwestern was picked second with 89 points and two first place votes. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.

GPAC Release  

Full Standings
 

Rank	Team	Points	1st Place Votes
1	Morningside	99	9
2	Northwestern	89	2
3	Dordt	84
4	Concordia	68
5	Midland	64
6	Mount Marty	58
7	Hastings	43
8	Doane	35
9	Dakota Wesleyan	32
10	Briar Cliff	23
11	Waldorf	10