The D3Football Top 25 Rankings showcase the nation’s best Division III teams, combining polls, NPI metrics, and weekly updates to highlight top programs and standout players.
D3Football Top 25 Rankings
Last Updated: February 2026
D3Football Top 25
This poll reflects national media voting and is one of the most trusted Division III rankings.
| Rank | Team | Record | Points | Previous Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Central (Ill.) | 10-0 | 625 | 1 |
| 2 | Cortland | 10-0 | 598 | 2 |
AFCA Coaches Poll
The AFCA poll represents active coaches’ perspectives, giving insight into how programs are evaluated internally.
| Rank | Team | Record | Points | 1st Votes | Prev |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Central (Ill.) | 9-1 | 610 | 15 | 2 |
NPI (National Power Index) Rankings
NPI provides a data-driven evaluation model based on performance metrics rather than voting.
| Rank | Team | NPI Score | SOS | Regional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Union | 98.45 | Strong | 1 |
Stats & Trends
Weekly updated performance rankings showcasing offensive power, defensive strength, and advanced analytics across Division III football.
Updated WeeklyOffensive Leaders
| Team | PPG | Total YPG | Pass YPG | Rush YPG | Red Zone % | 3rd Down % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team A | 45.2 | 520 | 310 | 210 | 92% | 55% |
| Team B | 41.8 | 505 | 295 | 210 | 88% | 51% |
Defensive Leaders
| Team | Points Allowed | Total Defense | Pass Defense | Rush Defense | Turnovers | Sacks/Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team C | 12.5 | 280 | 150 | 130 | 18 | 3.5 |
| Team D | 15.1 | 295 | 170 | 125 | 16 | 3.1 |
Advanced Metrics (PPG, NPI, SOS & More)
| Team | PPG | NPI | SOS | Margin | Opponent PPG | Home/Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team E | 42.3 | 97.5 | High | +18.4 | 17.2 | Home 5-0 / Away 4-1 |
| Team F | 39.7 | 94.8 | Very High | +15.6 | 19.4 | Home 4-1 / Away 5-0 |
Conference Power Index
WIAC
Multiple Top 25 Teams
Traditionally one of the strongest Division III conferences, WIAC consistently produces national contenders with elite NPI ratings and strong playoff depth.
| Team | Conf | Overall | PF | PA | NPI | SOS | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UW-Whitewater | 6–0 | 9–1 | 410 | 150 | 96.8 | High | #5 |
| UW-La Crosse | 5–1 | 8–2 | 380 | 170 | 92.4 | Strong | #18 |
Playoff Outlook
WIAC projects multiple postseason bids based on NPI & SOS strength.Depth across top 3 teams strengthens at-large positioning for the selection committee.
CCIW
Poll Volatility
Known for competitive balance, CCIW features major head-to-head games impacting weekly coaches polls and national rankings.
| Team | Leader | Off PPG | Def PPG | Impact Game | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Central | Yes | 38.5 | 16.2 | Win vs #12 | ↑ +4 |
| Wheaton | No | 34.1 | 18.8 | Loss vs #8 | ↓ -2 |
Weekly Movement
Coaches poll swings heavily based on rivalry matchups.NPI remains critical for at-large qualification if the conference title is lost.
Additional Conferences
Also monitor MIAC, ASC, NESCAC, SCIAC, and ODAC for late-season risers impacting national Top 25 and NPI rankings.
Emerging programs from these leagues often shape the national playoff bracket through unexpected upsets or dominant regional play.
Watch List
Keep an eye on regional strength of schedule (SOS) adjustments for MIAC and ASC leaders.Weekly Ranking Changes
Updates for Week 11 • Last updated: Feb 2026
Biggest Risers ↑ +5
- Team Alpha – Moved up 5 spots after road upset over #10. Current record 8-2, now #7 in Top 25.
- Team Beta – Jumped 4 spots following a ranked victory; NPI boosts place them at #12.
- Team Gamma – Climbed 3 spots due to consistent wins and strong SOS.
Notable Drops ↓ -5
- Team Delta – Fell 4 spots after narrow loss to unranked opponent. Record now 7-3.
- Team Epsilon – Dropped 3 positions; recent injuries affected offensive output.
- Team Zeta – Lost 5 spots following a tough SOS stretch.
New Entrants New
- Team Theta – First-time ranked team after undefeated streak and strong NPI score.
- Team Iota – Gained recognition due to 4 straight wins vs ranked opponents.
- Team Kappa – Impressive SOS performance lands them at #23.
No. 1 Watch Lock
- Team Lambda – Maintains top rank; margin of victory trending above 20 PPG.
- Team Mu – Close competitor, showing strong upward trend in Coaches Poll vs NPI.
- Team Nu – Poised to challenge #1 with upcoming matchup against top SOS opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often are the weekly rankings updated?
Rankings are updated every week following the latest games and results. We track Top 25, NPI, SOS, and performance trends to provide the most accurate rankings.
2. What metrics determine the Top 25 teams?
Teams are ranked based on current record, poll position, NPI (National Power Index), Strength of Schedule (SOS), and recent performance trends over the last 3–5 games.
3. How can I view full team stats and schedules?
Each featured team has links to their full stats page and schedule/results. Simply click on the team name or “Full Team Stats” link in the spotlight section to access detailed data.
4. How are standout players highlighted?
Standout players are categorized into Offensive, Defensive, and Special Teams impact. Each includes key stats, player profile links, and “Read Full Analysis” options for in-depth insights.
5. Can I track ranking changes week-to-week?
Yes! Our Weekly Ranking Changes section shows risers, drops, new Top 25 entrants, and #1 watch updates. Internal links to team spotlight pages allow you to track performance trends easily.
Conclusion
The NCAA Division III football rankings highlight the nation’s top teams, track weekly performance trends, and provide fans with a clear view of the season’s competitive landscape.
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