NAPERVILLE, Ill. - With just a couple weeks until the Illinois Wesleyan University football team lifts the lid on the 2025 season, its first under head coach Jared Williamson, the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin released its annual preseason coaches poll Monday, Aug. 18. The Titans were voted to finish fourth, reeling in 53 points, in the 10-team poll.

North Central, the reigning NCAA Division III National Champions, garnered nine first-place votes and topped the poll with 81 points. Wheaton ranked second with 73 points and hauled in one first-place nod, while WashU (65 points) rounded out the top-three.

Illinois Wesleyan checked in at fourth, followed by Carroll (48 points), Augustana (43 points), North Park (34 points), and Carthage (26 points). Millikin was slotted ninth with 14 points and Elmhurst ranked 10th with 13 points.

The Green and White kicks off the season Saturday, Sept. 6, inside the friendly confines of Tucci Stadium as IWU takes on Central College (Iowa). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. and will serve as Senior Day for the Titans.

2025 CCIW Football Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. North Central, 81 points (9 first-place votes)
2. Wheaton, 73 points (1 first-place vote)
3. WashU, 65 points
4. Illinois Wesleyan, 53 points
5. Carroll, 48 points
6. Augustana, 43 points
7. North Park, 34 points
8. Carthage, 26 points
9. Millikin, 14 points
10. Elmhurst, 13 points