San Diego football has been named the Pioneer Football League's preseason favorite for 2026, continuing its dominance from last season. The team garnered five first-place votes and tallied a total of 90 points in the coaches poll. Close behind, Drake secured the second spot with 88 points, also earning five first-place votes, while St. Thomas, with one first-place vote, finished third with 87 points. The league's competitive structure sees each of the 11 teams playing an eight-game schedule to contend for the automatic NCAA FCS Championship bid. Conference play kicks off on September 26, featuring several key matchups.

By the Numbers
  • San Diego: 90 points, 5 first-place votes
  • Drake: 88 points, 5 first-place votes
  • St. Thomas: 87 points, 1 first-place vote
  • Dayton: 69 points; Butler: 67 points (separated by 2 points)
  • Marist: Climbing from 9th to 6th with 52 points
State of Play
  • San Diego and Drake are in a competitive race for the top, both receiving strong support.
  • The top three teams (San Diego, Drake, and St. Thomas) pulled away significantly from the rest of the league.
  • The league will begin its 34th year with an unbalanced mix of established and emerging teams.
What's Next

As the 2026 season looms, teams are gearing up for intense competition starting September 26. Watch for potential shifts in power dynamics, particularly among the top contenders as they vie for the coveted NCAA Championship bid.

Bottom Line

San Diego's repeat as preseason favorite underscores their recent prowess in the PFL, but the tight competition from Drake and St. Thomas suggests a thrilling season ahead. Anticipate every match to significantly influence playoff positioning, making each game pivotal.