KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association released its 2022 Preseason Polls for football on Tuesday at its annual Football Media Day in Kansas City.
The Tigers were picked fifth in both polls. The polls were nearly identical, except for a little wrinkle in the No. 7 through No. 9 spots. Northwest Missouri State was favored heavily in both polls to win a fourth-straight conference title.
Fort Hays State is picked a couple of spots higher in the standings from where it finished the 2021 season. The Tigers went 5-6 last year, which placed them seventh in the conference. The Tigers came up on the short end of several close contested games, falling four times by just a one-score margin, and all six losses were by 10 points or less. Two of their five wins on the year were by seven or less points. All of their sizable wins were to teams picked in the final three spots of this year's preseason polls.
The top six spots were identical in both polls. Northwest Missouri State was the top pick, receiving 10 of 12 first-place votes in the Coaches Poll and 22 of 26 first-place votes in the Media Poll. Nebraska-Kearney held the No. 2 spot after finishing in that position last year, making its first appearance in the NCAA playoffs since 2011. Pittsburg State is third in both polls, followed by Washburn in fourth, Fort Hays State in fifth, and Emporia State in sixth.
Fort Hays State returns 14 starters from 2021, including eight on offense and six on defense. All-MIAA performers on offense returning include tight end Hunter Budke, running back Adrian Soto, quarterback Chance Fuller, wide receiver Manny Ramsey, and offensive linemen Kristopher Stroughter, Pat Kelly and Ted Hessing. On the defensive side of the ball, linebackers Layke Heimerman and Myles Menges were All-MIAA selections last year.
Fort Hays State opens the 2022 season on the road at conference favorite Northwest Missouri State on Sept. 1 before playing its first of five home games. The Tigers face Missouri Western in their first contest at home on Sept. 8. Other home opponents in 2022 will include Missouri Southern, Washburn, Central Missouri, and Northeastern State.