The Great American Conference has announced that Arkansas Tech's Wonder Boys football team has been ranked fifth in the preseason coaches poll. This follows a successful season in 2025, where the Wonder Boys achieved a 7-5 record and participated in the Heritage Bowl. The team, led by head coach Roy Thompson, is looking to build on last year's success and improve upon their preseason ranking. With a strong mix of returning players and new recruits, anticipation is high for the upcoming season. They will kick off the 2026 season at home against Southwestern Oklahoma on September 3.

By the Numbers
  • Wonder Boys finished 2025 with a record of 7-5.
  • They ranked fifth in the GAC preseason poll with 78 points.
State of Play
  • Harding is the reigning conference champion and has been picked for a repeat.
  • Wonder Boys are aiming for improved performance under second-year head coach Roy Thompson.
What's Next

As fall camp begins in August, the Wonder Boys will focus on integrating new players and refining team strategies to enhance their competitiveness in the GAC. The outcome of their season opener will set the tone for their campaign.

Bottom Line

The Wonder Boys' fifth-place ranking reflects optimism after a historic 2025 season, suggesting a strong chance for further success and possibly better postseason opportunities in 2026.