The final American Football Coaches Association Division III rankings have been released, and Central closed out with the number 17 ranking. The Dutch were unranked for most of the season, but entered the poll at number 23 heading into the playoffs.

American Rivers Conference foe Wartburg is also in the final poll, ranked number 13. Central finished the season 10-2, was the automatic qualifier from the American Rivers Conference, and appeared in the playoffs for the 21st time.