MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Fresh off the program's first ever NCAA Division III National Championship, the Falcons will begin the 2026 season ranked No. 7 in the D3football.com Preseason Top 25, as announced Monday morning.

The Falcons have now been ranked in the D3football.com Top 25 for five consecutive seasons, continuing one of the most successful stretches in program history.

UW-River Falls finished the 2025 campaign with a 14-1 overall record, capturing its first-ever NCAA Division III National Championship, defeating North Central (Ill.) in the Stagg Bowl. UWRF enters 2026 as one of four WIAC programs ranked in the preseason poll, joining No. 6 UW-Platteville, No. 10 UW-La Crosse and No. 12 UW-Whitewater. UW-Oshkosh also received votes.

North Central (Ill.) claimed the No. 1 spot in the preseason rankings, followed by Bethel and Mount Union.

The D3football.com Top 25 is voted on by a panel of 25 coaches, sports information directors and media members from across the country, being published annually since 2003.

UW-River Falls opens the 2026 season on Thursday, Sept. 3, hosting Southern Virginia in a Thursday night matchup at Smith Stadium at Ramer Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.