ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference's preseason coaches polls and previews concluded Thursday morning with the release of the Football poll and preview. The University of Northwestern, fresh off a 7-0, conference title-winning season in 2024, tied for the top spot in the coaches poll with 23 points and three first-place votes. Greenville, who UNW will face twice this season, also received 23 points and three first-place votes.
The entire UMAC Football preview is available
here.
Matt Moore enters his ninth season at the helm with a new-look offense, but some top-tier returning talent on defense. New Offensive Coordinator
Ken Ingram will call the plays, and the Eagles expect junior tight end
Will Schleicher (Victoria, Minn./Chanhassen) to factor in more this season after 15 receptions and two touchdowns a year ago. Schleicher is also a weapon with his foot, having twice been named an All-Conference punter, in addition to a 2022 NCCAA All-America nod at the position. Northwestern's young but talented offensive line will be anchored by tackle
Robbie Hussey (Bay Village, Ohio/Westside Christian Academy), and will open up running lanes for junior tailback
Ashton Lofton (Colorado Springs, Colo./Colorado Springs Christian), who will assume lead back duties in 2025. Lofton has five career touchdowns to his credit and has seen playing time since his freshman season.
Northwestern's defense returns three mainstays from a year ago.
Jayden Goodwin (New Richmond, Wis./Saint Croix Central) is a three-time All-UMAC (two-time First Team) linebacker who racked up a team-high 87 tackles last season, in addition to 10.5 tackles-for-loss and a pick-six. For his efforts, he was named an NCCAA First Team All-American. The Ahrendt brothers will be returning alongside Goodwin as well after stellar 2024 seasons.
Austin Ahrendt (Nevis, Minn./Nevis Public) recorded 58 tackles and two interceptions as a freshman, while
Ian Ahrendt (Nevis, Minn./Nevis Public), a 2024 NCCAA Second Team All-American, logged 74 tackles and three tackles-for-loss.
UNW will begin its season September 6th at St. Olaf. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM in Northfield.
| Place |
School |
Points |
| 1 |
Greenville (3) |
23 |
| 1 |
Northwestern (3) |
23 |
| 3 |
Martin Luther |
15 |
| 4 |
Minnesota Morris |
14 |
| 5 |
Crown |
8 |
| 6 |
Westminster |
7 |
