(Sioux City, Iowa) – Northwestern College totaled 100 points in the preseason coaches’ poll and is picked to win the 2025-26 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Men’s Basketball Championship. The Red Raiders tallied 10 of the possible 11 first-place votes. Morningside was picked second with 86 points, while Dordt and Concordia tied for third with 78 points each. The Defenders garnered the final first-place vote.
Dordt won the 2024-25 GPAC regular season with an 18-2 record, while Morningside won the GPAC Tournament Championship.
Under the guidance of first-year head coach Colton Kooima, the Red Raiders feature 3 returning starters. Jesse Van Kalsbeek, the reigning GPAC Freshman of the Year and a First Team All-GPAC honoree, as well as Jalen Langsy, also a First Team All-GPAC player. Kaleb Booth was recognized with an Honorable Mention All-GPAC designation.
Here is the complete 2025-26 GPAC Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll:
RANK TEAM POINTS 1st Place Votes
1. NORTHWESTERN 100 10
2. MORNINGSIDE 86
3t. CONCORDIA 78
3t. DORDT 78 1
5. MIDLAND 60
6. BRIAR CLIFF 59
7. DAKOTA WESLEYAN 42
8. MOUNT MARTY 36
9. HASTINGS 33
10. DOANE 23
11. WALDORF 11
