Grand View and Benedictine Earn Top Spots in 2025 Heart of America Football Coaches Poll
The Heart of America Athletic Conference has released its 2025 Football Coaches Poll, with Grand View University—the defending NAIA National Champions—leading the North Division and Benedictine College, fresh off a national semifinal appearance, topping the South Division as preseason favorites.
In the North Division, Grand View earned 36 points and six first-place votes, securing the top spot after a dominant championship run in 2024. Peru State claimed the No. 2 position with 28 points, followed closely by Graceland at No. 3 with 25 points and one first-place vote. William Penn came in fourth with 22 points, while Saint Ambrose (17), Culver-Stockton(12), and Clarke (7) rounded out the division.
The South Division features a competitive race at the top, with Benedictine earning 35 points and five first-place votes. Baker and MidAmerica Nazarene tied for second with 29 points each, both picking up one first-place vote. Missouri Baptist landed in fourth with 21 points, followed by Missouri Valley (16), Central Methodist (11), and William Woods (6).
2025 Heart of America Football Coaches Poll
North Division
- Grand View – 36 (6)
- Peru State – 28
- Graceland – 25 (1)
- William Penn – 22
- Saint Ambrose – 17
- Culver-Stockton – 12
- Clarke – 7
South Division
- Benedictine – 35 (5)
- Baker – 29 (1)
MidAmerica Nazarene – 29 (1) - Missouri Baptist – 21
- Missouri Valley – 16
- Central Methodist – 11
- William Woods – 6
The 2025 Heart of America football season kicks off Thursday, August 28with two Thursday-night non-conference matchups: Nelson Universitytravels to MidAmerica Nazarene, while William Penn visits William Woods. Cross-division games begin Saturday, September 6, launching the full slate of conference action.
The complete 2025 schedule is available at heartofamericaconference.com.