The UMD football team is poised for a big year, tabbed as the NSIC preseason favorites, however, some national attention to the Bulldogs came their way on Monday afternoon.

UMD is ranked 17th in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) DII polls, their highest preseason ranking since 2021.

The Bulldogs finished last season ranked 25th in the same poll, and this year had a total of 214 points in the poll – 17 points behind 14th spot Augustana university and 18 points behind rival Minnesota State University, Mankato in 13th.

The Bulldogs will look for revenge this season, and it all starts with Northern Michigan on August 29th followed by the home opener on September 14th against Minnesota State-Moorhead.