UNI has been picked to finish eighth in the Missouri Valley Football Conference preseason poll. First year coach Todd Stepsis took over a program that finished 3-9 a year ago and has not qualified for the FCS playoffs since 2021.

Stepsis has been impressed with the way his team has reacted to the new coaching staff and the challenge ahead.

The program has struggled in recent year but with 22 all-time appearances in the FCS playoffs the expectations for the program remain high.

In the age of the transfer portal, senior tight end Derek Anderson decided to stay and be part of the rebuild. The former Hinton high school star took snaps on both sides of the ball last season.

Anderson liked the message he heard after Stepsis replaced long-time coach Mark Farley.

The Valley conducted its Media Day in Sioux Falls. The Panthers open the season at home on August 30th against Butler.