GRINNELL, Iowa – The Illinois College football team has been picked to win the 2024 Midwest Conference (MWC) title according to the Preseason Coaches' Poll, the league announced today.
The Blueboys received seven first-place votes and 79 points to claim the top spot. Last season, IC finished 8-1 in league play, won the program's first MWC football championship, and made its second NCAA Division III Football Championship Playoff appearance. The Blueboys won the head-to-head tiebreaker over Monmouth College to secure the title.
Monmouth was picked to finish second and had the three remaining first-place votes and 74 total points. The Fighting Scots finished second in the 2023 season standings, posting an 8-1 conference record.
Lake Forest College earned 65 points to take third ahead of Ripon College and the University of Chicago who tied for fourth with 51 points. Cornell College (45), Knox College (29), Beloit College (25), Grinnell College (20), and Lawrence University (11) round out the poll.
The MWC Football Champion will earn an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III Playoffs.
IC opens the 2024 season on Saturday, September 7th at Millikin. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. The Blueboys begin Midwest Conference play on September 14th at Lake Forest (1:00 p.m. kickoff). IC makes its 2024 home debut on September 21st when Ripon comes to England Stadium for a 1:00 p.m. contest.
The MWC Preseason Coaches' Poll is voted on by the league's ten football head coaches.Â
2024 MWC Football Preseason Coaches' Poll Results
1. Illinois College (7) – 79 points
2. Monmouth College (3) – 74 points
3. Lake Forest College – 65 points
T4. University of Chicago – 51 points
T4. Ripon College – 51 points
6. Cornell College – 45 points
7. Knox College – 29 points
8. Beloit College – 25 points
9. Grinnell College – 20 points
10. Lawrence University – 11 points
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