NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- The Augustana Vikings football team has been picked to finish third in this year's CCIW preseason poll. Augie totaled 47, 10 points behind Wheaton and two ahead of Illinois Wesleyan. 

Augustana enters the new season after finishing fourth a season ago with an overall record of 7-3 and a 6-3 CCIW record. Head coach Steve Bell returns 17 starters, including three all-conference members from the 2025 season, as he enters his 11th season leading the Vikings. 

The Vikings open the season with a non-conference contest against Simpson on Sept. 5. Auige has picked up wins over the Storm in each of the last three season openers, including an overtime victory a season ago by a score of 42-41.

2026 CCIW Football Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. North Central, 64 points (8 first-place votes)
2. Wheaton, 57 points (1 first-place vote)
3. Augustana, 47 points
4. Illinois Wesleyan, 45 points
5. Carroll, 32 points
6. Carthage, 29 points
7. North Park, 25 points
8. Millikin, 17 points
9. Elmhurst, 8 points