WACO, Texas – Central Oklahoma is receiving votes in the American Football Coaches' Association Preseason poll announced Tuesday.
The Bronchos are just outside the Top 25, collecting 64 total points in the poll of head coaches around the country. UCO received the third highest total amount of points for teams outside the Top 25.
Central Oklahoma went 6-5 last season and finished third in the MIAA with a 6-3 record. Fellow league rivals Pittsburg State (fourth) and Northwest Missouri (eighth) appear in the Top 25. The MIAA also has Fort Hays State, Central Missouri, and Nebraska Kearney receiving votes along with the Bronchos.
UCO kicks off the 2026 season next week in Fort Worth, Texas. The Bronchos visit Texas Wesleyan for the Week Zero contest. The Rams are an NAIA school preparing to transition into Division II and the Lone Star Conference. Kickoff is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.
Following an early bye week, Central Oklahoma plays at Central Arkansas in Week 2. The first game against a Division I opponent since 2011 for the Bronchos kicks off Saturday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m.
UCO begins the rugged MIAA schedule in Week 3 at Washburn Sept. 19. The Bronchos host No. 8 Northwest Missouri on Sept. 26 for the home opener.
In October, the Bronchos play at Central Missouri, host Fort Hays State, then go to Emporia State and Pittsburg State in back-to-back weeks. UCO wraps up the month with a Halloween game against Nebraska Kearney.
Central plays at Missouri Southern and at home against Missouri Western to finish off the regular season in November.
