HILBERT, Wis. -- Ripon has been tabbed to finish fifth in the 2026 Midwest Conference football season, according to the preseason coaches poll released today, July 30, by the MWC. 

Ripon comes into the 2026 season following a 5-5 overall record and a 5-4 conference record from 2025, finishing the year in fifth place. The Red Hawks return one All-Conference player from the 2025 squad, defensive lineman Desean Smith (Lake Park, Ga., Lowndes HS). Smith led the conference in sacks last season, notching 5 solo and 2 assisted for 42 lost yards. 

The Red Hawks open the 2026 campaign with two non-conference games, facing off against NACC opponents Concordia University-Wisconsin on September 5 and Wisconsin Lutheran College on September 12. Conference competition begins September 19, with Ripon facing off at home against Knox. 

Conference competition takes a different form this season due to the expanse of the MWC, with Luther College officially joining beginning this season. The eight game MWC schedule for Ripon will omit Grinnell and Illinois College from regular season play, while future seasons will rotate which schools are included.

For the full conference preseason release, click here.