WACO, Texas – Central Oklahoma ended the year ranked No. 9 in the country in the American Football Coaches' Association Top 25, with the final poll announced Monday.
UCO went 11-2 this season and won the MIAA championship before hosting and winning a first-round playoff game in the NCAA Division II Football Championship. The Bronchos lost to eventual national champion Ferris State in the Super Region III semifinal.
Central Oklahoma made a long-awaited return to the national rankings this season. After a 2-0 start, UCO began receiving votes, and after a 3-0 start, the Bronchos were No. 23 in the country. Central reached as high as No. 9 with a 7-0 start before losing its first game of the season. The Bronchos reached as high as No. 8 on the season heading into the playoffs.
Central Oklahoma saw five players earn All-American and All-Region honors after 18 earned All-MIAA honors following the season. The Bronchos made their fifth appearance in the NCAA Division II Football Championship, where UCO is now 4-5 with wins in 1996, 1998, 2003, and 2024.
