GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Calvin University football team has been picked to finish seventh out of eight schools in the MIAA preseason coaches' poll released this afternoon. 

Calvin received 43 points in the poll, one point ahead of eighth place Kalamazoo (44 points) and one point behind sixth place Olivet. Alma is the preseason favorite with a first place total of 10 points with the Scots receiving four first place votes. Hope is a close second with 11 points with the Flying Dutchmen also receiving four first place votes.

Under the direction of head coach Trent Figg, Calvin heads into his second varsity campaign this fall. A year ago in its inaugural season of competition, Calvin posted an overall record of 2-8. The Knights went without a win in MIAA competition but dropped three MIAA contests by eight points or less. Calvin picked up non-conference victories over Oberlin (Oh.) and Anderson (Ind.). 

Calvin returns 74 letterwinners from its 2024 squad including sophomore linebacker Trevor Martens and sophomore placekicker Sal Ruffino who both received All-MIAA Second Team honors last fall. 

Calvin is set to open it season on September 6 when it travels to Oberlin for a contest slated to start at noon (ET). Calvin will host five games this fall at the Calvin Soccer Stadium. The Knights will host Concordia (Wisc.) on September 13 and will follow by hosting Kalamazoo on September 27 at 7 p.m. in a contest that will serve as Calvin's MIAA opener and its Homecoming Game.  Other home games include MIAA contests against Adrian (Oct. 18), Trine (Oct. 25) and Olivet (Nov. 1).  

2025 MIAA Football Preseason Poll Results:
1. Alma College - 10 points (4 first-place votes)
2. Hope College - 11 points (4 first-place votes)
3. Adrian College - 23 points
4. Trine University - 25 points
5. Albion College - 26 points
6. The University of Olivet - 42 points
7. Calvin University - 43 points
8. Kalamazoo College - 44 points