Photo by Jake McNeill: Southwest Minnesota State University defensive lineman Daniel Obwaya (94) attempts to tackle Nebraska Kearney quarterback Abram Scholting during a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference football game on Saturday afternoon. The Lopers defeated the Mustangs 35-0.

BURNSVILLE — The Northern Sun Intercollegiate released its preseason football coaches poll on Tuesday, with Southwest Minnesota State University ranked 13th out of 14 teams overall and last among the seven teams in the South Division.

The NSIC will be split into two divisions this season after the addition of Jamestown (S.D.) from the North Star Athletic Association, jumping up from the NAIA level to the NCAA Division II level. It will mark the first time since 2022 that the NSIC will be split into two divisions.

SMSU received 27 points in the coaches poll, putting them one spot behind UMary’s 35 and ahead of only Jamestown’s 14. In the South Division, SMSU’s 6 points put them directly behind Concordia-St. Paul’s 12 and Winona State’s 15.

Minnesota State was tabbed the top team overall and in the South Division, receiving 167 points and 11 of 14 first-place votes overall and 26 points and six of seven first-place votes in the division. Augustana was ranked second both overall and in the South, receiving one first-place vote for the division and three overall.

Minnesota Duluth and Bemidji State were ranked third and fourth overall and tied for first in the North Division.

SMSU went 0-11 last season, finishing last in the NSIC. A year prior, it went 2-9 with its two wins bookending a nine-game skid.

This season will be SMSU’s fourth season with head coach Scott Underwood at the helm. The Mustangs are 6-27 during his tenure since he took over a team that went 2-9 a year prior.

Offensive lineman Tyler Nebelung and defensive back were named as Players to Watch in the NSIC’s release. Nebelung has made 33 starts for the Mustangs as he heads into his senior season, and also competes for the SMSU track and field team, while Knutson has played 11 games for SMSU with five interceptions as he enters his sophomore season.

Nebelung’s physicality in the run game and athletic footwork in pass protection have made him a positive influence on the offensive side of the ball, Underwood said in a press release from the NSIC.

Underwood added that Parker’s versatility and competitive edge give the Mustangs the ability to plug-and-play Parker in multiple spots and schemes.

Minnesota State University-Moorhead quarterback Jack Strand and Augustana quarterback Gunnar Hensley were named the Preseason Offensive Players of the Year for the North and South Divisions, respectively. On the defensive side, Northern State’s Jake Adams and Wayne State’s Carter Sitzman were named the North and South Preseason Players of the Year.

OVERALL

(First-place votes in parentheses, total points on right)

1. Minnesota State (11), 167

14. Jamestown, 14

SOUTH DIVISION

1. Minnesota State (6), 36

7. SMSU, 6

NORTH DIVISION

T1. Bemidji State (4), 33

7. Jamestown, 7