Indianapolis — The Marian University Knights were picked as the preseason favorite in the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) Midwest League, as voted by the Midwest League's six head coaches, the organization announced Friday.
 
The Knights received the maximum number of votes with five, as teams are not permitted to vote for themselves. Olivet Nazarene placed second with the other first-place vote. Saint Xavier, St. Francis (Ill.), Judson and St. Mary-of-the-Woods rounded out the Midwest League poll.
 
On the Mideast side, Indiana Wesleyan was voted the league favorite with the maximum five first-place votes. Taylor and Saint Francis (Ind.) tied for second with the Trojans receiving the other first-place tally. Defiance, Lawrence Tech and Madonna round out the Mideast preseason poll.
 
Marian has won nine MSFA league championships since 2011, the most in the league in that span. The two-time NAIA Football national champions open up their MSFA Midwest League slate with Olivet Nazarene at Ascension St. Vincent Field on Oct. 17.
 
The Knights open up the 2026 campaign on the road for the first three games of the season. They'll take on UIndy in the Monumental Matchup for the season opener on the south side of Indianapolis. Tickets are available at muknights.com