Iowa Wesleyan football underdogs in 2022

The North Star Athletic Association’s preseason football poll came out on Monday, and it’s safe to say Iowa Wesleyan will have a chip on its shoulder when the new season opens up last this month.

For the second time since joining the North Star last year, Iowa Wesleyan was picked dead last in the poll, which is conducted by the North Star coaches. The Tigers received just six points in the poll.

Iowa Wesleyan did not finish last in 2021, despite early predictions. The Tigers defeated Presentation College last season and wound up sixth in the final standings with a 1-5 record. Presentation, however, sits comfortably ahead of Iowa Wesleyan, getting picked sixth with twice as many votes.

Defending champion Dickinson State was picked first in the conference. The Blue Hawks won the league by two games last season.

Dickinson State was also the only ranked North Star team in the NAIA’s preseason poll. The Blue Hawks will begin the season ranked No. 16.

Valley City State, which finished second in the North Star last year did receive votes in the NAIA poll. The Vikings were slotted two spots outside of the Top-25.

2022 NORTH STAR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION PRESEASON FOOTBALL POLL

1. No. 16 Dickinson State

T-2. (RV) Valley City State 28

T-2. Waldorf 28

4. Dakota State 22

5. Mayville State 15

6. Presentation 12

12. Iowa Wesleyan 6