Reigning Great Midwest champion Findlay has been picked as the 2022 preseason favorite in a voting of the conference's nine head football coaches.
Findlay went 8-3 (6-1) during the 2021 regular season and advanced to the NCAA Division II playoff before falling in a close game to No. 8 Shepherd. The Oilers return their top rusher in Derek Lynch and their leading tackler from a year ago in Grey Brancifort.
Findlay edged Tiffin in the coaches poll by a single first-place vote. Tiffin, which topped the conference in both scoring offense and scoring defense in 2021, also went 8-3 in the regular season last year and lost 26-21 at Findlay on the season's final Saturday. The two Ohio powers will once again close the regular season, this time at Tiffin on Nov. 12.
Ashland, which featured last season's top rushing attack with 222 yards per game, earned the remaining two first-place votes and was picked third in the poll. AU was followed by Ohio Dominican and Hillsdale. New conference member Northwood was voted sixth.
Fans can track the 2022 season on the
Great Midwest football composite calendar and by following
@GreatMidwestAC on social media.
| Ranking |
School (1st place votes) |
Points |
| 1. |
Findlay (4) |
56 |
| 2. |
Tiffin (3) |
54 |
| 3. |
Ashland (2) |
52 |
| 4. |
Ohio Dominican |
45 |
| 5. |
Hillsdale |
42 |
| 6. |
Northwood |
22 |
| 7. |
Kentucky Wesleyan |
21 |
| 8. |
Lake Erie |
16 |
| 9. |
Walsh |
16 |