The DII football season is nearly here, as the first Week 0 in division history is set to kick off the final week of August. The reigning Harlon Hill trophy winner is back under center for Central Missouri as are the majority of the pieces from Harding's record-setting rushing attack. Both of those factors played a large role in the first Power 10 rankings of 2024.
For those new to the Power 10 rankings, these are mine, and mine alone. There is no committee or voting body, just my spreadsheets, notes from coaches and a lot of deep diving into rosters and stats. The Power 10 differs from a poll because I try to take selection committee metrics — like strength of schedule, in-region record and RPI — along with the good ol' eye test for a blend of talent and data, if you will.
Now, let's get to the preseason Power 10.
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The DII football preseason Power 10
No. 1 Harding: Harding rumbled to a college football record 6,160 rushing yards, a 15-0 record and its first national championship. Running backs Blake Delacruz, Braden Jay and Jhalen Spicer along with quarterback Cole Keylon — who all combined for 3,812 of those yards and 53 touchdowns — return behind a line that may not have a lot of starting experience but has plenty of game experience from last season.
No. 2 Central Missouri: The Mules were an offensive juggernaut last season, leading DII in total offense (593.8 yards per game), passing offense (417.9 yards per game) and scoring offense (49.4 points per game). Eight starters return, including record-setting, Harlon Hill-winning quarterback Zach Zebrowski and top running back Marcellous Hawkins. With eight returning starters on defense, this is a well-rounded team.
No. 3 Pittsburg State: Quarterback Chad Dodson Jr. is back to lead the way with a pair of running backs in Noah Hernandez and Cleo Chandler Jr. that combined for 818 yards and 10 touchdowns in limited roles. The two-time defending MIAA champions were led by the conference’s top scoring defense and return their top two tacklers for what should be another very good team for new head coach Tom Anthony.
No. 4 Ferris State: This is where is gets a little dicey as teams Nos. 4-7 are so close that they are almost interchangeable. I’m going with the Bulldogs at No. 4 because, in my opinion, there are fewer question marks. Head coach Tony Annese returns nine players on each side of the ball that saw significant playing time last year and has another monster offensive line and a two-headed quarterback system in (likely) Carson Gulker and Trinidad Chambliss. The Bulldogs open against No. 3 Pittsburg State on the road, so we’ll know a lot very quickly.
No. 5 Valdosta State: The Blazers are the team to beat in Super Region 2. Quarterback Sammy Edwards is back and should build on his 2023 monster breakout season when he amassed over 4,000 yards passing and 40 total touchdowns. This defense — one which allowed 135 points over its final four games — loses a lot and the new faces gelling quickly will determine how far the Blazers can go.
No. 6 Colorado School of Mines: The John Matocha era is over, and it was a good one, resulting in back-to-back national runner-up campaigns. The Orediggers have a pretty good track record with quarterbacks, so Evan Foster — who has preseason All-American Max McLeod to throw to — should be just fine. Landon Walker should ease in at the lead back role to take some pressure off Foster as well. This is still the team to beat in the RMAC.
No. 7 Grand Valley State: The Lakers could arguably be a bit higher because they return a ton of talent. They are built tough in the trenches with one of the best offensive lines in DII and a stout and dangerous defensive line with linebacker Anthony Cardamone right behind it. However, the few losses the Lakers had were key losses in both talent and leadership — and with CSU Pueblo and West Florida on the slate before they get into GLIAC play, the Lakers have a tough road ahead.
No. 8 Central Washington: The Wildcats were gritty in 2023, and surprised quite a few people by clawing their way all the way to the national semifinals. There is a ton returning — 17 players who started on both sides of the ball — including Tanner Volk, my preseason pick for DII defensive player and arguably the most dangerous defender in the division.
No. 9 Kutztown: Quarterback Judd Novak, who had a monster season and was a leader on the Golden Bears' run to the national semifinals, gets two of his top targets back while plenty of defenders — like Brandon Hile, Jalen DeVose and Drew Hensor — are back for the PSAC's top-scoring defensive unit.
No. 10 Slippery Rock: Brayden Long returns under center after finishing up 2023 as a Harlon Hill finalist. The addition of running back Idris Lawrence can't be understated, nor can wide receiver Rashawn Harvey from West Liberty, who had 971 yards receiving and eight touchdowns for the Hilltoppers last season. This offense should be one of the best in DII.
First five out (in alphabetical order)
- Lenoir-Rhyne: There's a new head coach and several major losses, so I expect there to be a learning curve in a rather tough SAC.
- Minnesota Duluth: The Bulldogs had the NSIC's top offense last season — and dual-threat quarterback Kyle Walljasper is back with his favorite targets.
- Minnesota State: The Mavericks lost some key pieces in the offseason, but the Mavericks are also a DII powerhouse that doesn't rebuild — they simply restructure and keep winning.
- UIndy: Running back Jon Lewis is acclimated to DII football and there is a ton of experience that could see the Greyhounds jump into the top 10 very quickly.
- Virginia Union: A healthy Jada Byers and a solid offensive line should contend with rival Virginia State for the CIAA.
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