Central College was selected to finish third, while Simpson was picked to finish in sixth in the American Rivers Conference Preseason Football Coaches Poll.

Jeff McMartin is entering his 22nd season guiding the Dutch. During his tenure, he has compiled a 155-48 overall record. The Dutch finished the 2023 season with an 8-2 overall mark and 6-2 conference mark. Central looks to make a return to the NCAA playoffs for the first time since 2021 this season. Overall, Central has made it to the playoffs 22 times in program history. The Dutch return eight starters on each side of the ball this season, including ten all-conference honorees. Central begins the season on September 7th at home against Illinois Wesleyan.

Simpson welcomes back Reed Hoskins for his second season as the head football coach. During his first season, the Storm recorded a 3-7 overall mark and 2-6 mark in A-R-C action. Simpson has made seven NCAA playoff appearances, with the most recent coming in 2003. Simpson will lean on experience from their eight offensive starters and nine defensive starters this season, including two previous all-conference honorees. The Storm open the season on September 7th at Augustana College in Illinois.