SEWARD, Neb. – A third-place league finisher in 2025, Concordia University, Nebraska Football has landed at No. 4 in the 2026 GPAC Football Preseason Coaches’ Poll, released on Tuesday (Aug. 11) by the conference office. The Bulldogs picked up 67 points in the poll, putting them behind league favorite Morningside, followed by Dordt and Northwestern. Last season, Dordt and Morningside shared the GPAC championship.
Head Coach Patrick Daberkow has guided Concordia to a combined record of 15-5 over the past two seasons. The Bulldogs have placed fourth or better in the GPAC in each of the past three seasons and in four of the last five years. Concordia brings back all-conference honorees in kicker Peyton Atwood, offensive lineman Derek Campbell, running back Carlos Collazo, punter Braxtyn Koch, linebacker Dylan Meyer, quarterback Gideon Stark, defensive lineman Terry Sebek, receiver Adam Van Cleave and long snapper Max Wurdeman.
Concordia reported to campus on Aug. 4 for preseason practice. The ’26 campaign will officially kick off at 7 p.m. CT on Saturday, Aug. 29 when Waldorf visits Bulldog Stadium. The complete schedule can be found HERE.
GPAC Football Preseason Coaches’ Poll
--First-place votes in parentheses
1. Morningside – 96 (6)
2. Dordt – 91 (4)
3. Northwestern – 82 (1)
4. Concordia – 67
5. Midland – 60
6. Hastings – 59
7. Mount Marty – 49
8. Briar Cliff – 34
9. Dakota Wesleyan – 32
10. Doane – 25
11. Waldorf – 10