Northwestern was the 2022 NAIA Football National Champion, finishing with a record of 13-1 after defeating Keiser University in the title game by a score of 35-25. Morningside picked up an opening round win in NAIA Football Championship Series before falling to the Keiser in the second round.

The Red Raiders of Northwestern totaled 98 points and eight first place votes.  Morningsdie was picked second with 93 points and three first place votes. Dordt was picked third with 78 points and Midland was fourth with 75. Hastings rounded out the top five with 59 points. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.

2022 GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll:

Place     Team                                Pts   (1^st Place Votes)
1.           Northwestern                      98  (8)

2.           Morningside                        93  (3)

3.           Dordt                                     78

4.           Midland                                 75

5.           Hastings                                 59

6.           Concordia                              57

7.           Jamestown                            38

8.           Doane                                     36

9.           Mount Marty                        30

10.         Dakota Wesleyan                 27

11.         Briar Cliff                               14

Games for the 2023 season kick off on Thursday, August 24 and Saturday, August 26, with a handful of teams playing non-conference games. Conference action starts on Saturday, September 2.