New Braunfels, Texas — Two American Southwest Conference programs were recognized among the nation's top Division III football teams in the 2026 D3football.com Preseason Top 25 Poll, released Monday.

Hardin-Simmons University earned the No. 15 ranking with 247 points after posting a 9-2 record in 2025 and a share of the American Southwest Conference Championship. Led by head coach Jesse Burleson, the Cowboys will open the 2026 season at home against Chapman University, who finished last season with a 9-3 record. Hardin-Simmons defeated Chapman 37-30 in Orange, California, during their 2025 campaign.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor also earned a spot in the preseason rankings, checking in at No. 21. Under head coach Larry Harmon, the Cru finished the 2025 season with a 7-3 overall record and a share the American Southwest Conference championship. Mary Hardin-Baylor opens the 2026 season at Rowan University.

Among other Texas institutions in the poll, Trinity University was ranked No. 14 with 263 points after finishing 10-2 last season. North Central College (Ill.) claimed the top spot in the preseason rankings, receiving 25 first-place votes.

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