MORRIS, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Morris football team was selected sixth in the 2026 Upper Midwest Athlete Conference Coaches Poll announced on Thursday.
Marty Hoffmann starts his ninth season as the head coach of Cougar Football.
Â
"We are really excited about the progress this team has made through pre-season camp," said coach Hoffmamm. "We have a core group of experience with 16 starters from last year's team returning and a strong incoming class that has impressed us through camp. I really like how connected this is becoming and I'm excited to see them perform!"
Â
Last season the Cougars went 3-4 in the UMAC to finish tied for third in the conference. Minnesota Morris returns two All-Conference athletes in Juan "JT" Garza III and
Dylan Young. Garza earned First Team honors as a defensive back and punt returner and Second Team honors as a kick returner. Young earned second team honors as a defensive lineman. Last season, the Cougars had the third most rushing yards in the conference behind
Sean-Keley Chinanga.
Â
The Cougars start the season at home as they host Concordia University Chicago on Sept. 5 at 1 p.m.
Â
| Place |
School |
Points |
| 1 |
Crown (3) |
23 |
| 2 |
Northwestern (1) |
19 |
| 3 |
Martin Luther (1) |
15 |
| 4 |
Greenville |
13 |
| 5 |
Westminster (1) |
12 |
| 6 |
Minnesota Morris |
8 |
Â
Â
