SIAC Dominates First NCAA Division II Football Power Rankings, Claiming Top Three Spots
The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) made an immediate statement in the NCAA’s new Division II football ranking system, claiming the top three positions in Super Region Two in the first rankings released Sunday, October 18.
Edward Waters leads the region at No. 1, followed by Kentucky State at No. 2 and Benedict at No. 3. The historic opening rankings introduce the NCAA Power Index (NPI), a new system that replaces the traditional regional ranking process for Division II football beginning with the 2026 season.
With four SIAC programs landing inside the regional top 10, the conference has positioned itself as an early contender in the race toward the Division II football championship.
Edward Waters, Kentucky State and Benedict Lead the Way
Edward Waters claimed the top spot in Super Region Two with a 4-1 Division II record and an NPI score of 59.566.
Kentucky State followed closely behind at No. 2, posting a 6-1 record and a score of 59.533. Benedict secured third place with a matching 6-1 record and an NPI score of 59.078.
The margin between the top two teams was especially narrow. Edward Waters finished just 0.033 points ahead of Kentucky State, showing how closely the programs are positioned in the first release.
The rankings also place all three SIAC programs ahead of several established regional opponents, including Carson-Newman, North Greenville and West Alabama.
Four SIAC Teams Land in the Top 10
The conference's strong opening showing extended beyond the top three.
Central State ranked No. 8 with a 4-1 record and an NPI score of 55.522, giving the SIAC four teams among the region's top 10.
Other conference programs appeared throughout the 33-team standings:
No. 11 — Tuskegee: 3-3
No. 12 — Miles: 3-2
No. 19 — Clark Atlanta: 2-3
No. 21 — Morehouse: 3-3
No. 23 — Albany State: 3-3
No. 24 — Fort Valley State: 2-3
No. 27 — Allen: 2-4
No. 29 — Savannah State: 1-5
No. 31 — Lane: 0-6
The spread of SIAC programs across the rankings highlights the conference's broad representation in the region, even as teams continue working through their regular-season schedules.
What It Really Means: Understanding the NCAA Power Index
For fans who may be unfamiliar with the new ranking system, the NCAA Power Index is designed to help evaluate Division II football teams using their game results and strength of schedule.
The NPI is more than a win-loss record. A team's position reflects a broader evaluation of its season, including the results it earns and the difficulty of its schedule.
That distinction matters because two teams with similar records may not necessarily receive the same ranking. Their opponents and overall results can influence how they compare with other programs.
The regional standings also matter because Division II teams are evaluated within their respective regions as the NCAA determines which programs advance to championship consideration.
For the SIAC, having Edward Waters, Kentucky State and Benedict occupy the first three spots is an encouraging early sign. However, these are the first rankings of the season, not final postseason placements.
Teams still have games to play, and their positions can change as results and strength-of-schedule evaluations evolve.
How the New Rankings Affect the Road to the Playoffs
Beginning with the 2026 season, the NPI replaces the traditional regional ranking process for Division II football.
The NCAA plans to update the rankings each Sunday throughout the remainder of the regular season. The final rankings are scheduled for Sunday, November 15, when the NCAA Division II Football Championship Selection Show takes place. The final rankings will not be publicly posted until after the show.
That timeline gives programs several more opportunities to improve their standing before the postseason field is determined.
For SIAC teams, the early results create both momentum and pressure. The conference has established a strong position in Super Region Two, but maintaining that advantage will require continued performance on the field.
Complete Super Region Two Top 10
The first NPI release, based on games played through October 17, featured the following teams at the top of the region:
Edward Waters — SIAC | Record: 4-1 | NPI: 59.566
Kentucky State — SIAC | Record: 6-1 | NPI: 59.533
Benedict — SIAC | Record: 6-1 | NPI: 59.078
Carson-Newman — SAC | Record: 6-1 | NPI: 58.784
North Greenville — CC | Record: 6-1 | NPI: 57.692
West Alabama — GSC | Record: 5-1 | NPI: 56.353
Mars Hill — SAC | Record: 5-2 | NPI: 55.642
Central State — SIAC | Record: 4-1 | NPI: 55.522
Newberry — SAC | Record: 4-2 | NPI: 53.913
Valdosta State — GSC | Record: 3-1 | NPI: 52.217
Records and NPI scores reflect the first rankings released October 18, 2026, based on games through October 17.
SIAC Makes an Early Statement
The first NCAA Division II football NPI rankings have given the SIAC a strong opening position, with three programs leading Super Region Two and Central State rounding out the top 10.
The early standings offer a snapshot of the conference's potential as the season progresses, but the ultimate test will be whether those teams can maintain their form through the final rankings and into postseason play.
For now, the SIAC has secured the region's top three spots—and given its teams an early opportunity to build toward championship contention.
Source: Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), October 18, 2026. Rankings: NCAA Division II Football Power Index.
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