MIDLAND, MICH. – The Northwood University football team earned a strong showing in the initial NCAA Power Index (NPI) ratings, which were released Sunday (October 18). The Timberwolves stand No. 3 in the national ranking and No. 1 on the super region three list.

NPI is the new way NCAA Tournament teams will be selected in all Division II sports for the 2026-27 season. The three main concepts of NPI are winning percentage, strength of schedule and result values. A full explanation of how the NPI works in Division II football can be found here.

Northwood stands at 7-0 overall on the season and is strengthened by road wins against No. 5 Findlay (6-1) and No. 10 Tiffin (5-2) as well as a home victory over No. 13 Hillsdale (5-2).

Currently, the Timberwolves rank first in super region three in Win Value (78.7) and has the highest quality win bonus number (5.88).

Nationally, NU ranks third in Win Value and quality win bonus.

The top eight teams in each of the four super regions will earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament. An automatic qualifier from conference will also earn a bid – from super region three, those conferences are the G-MAC, the GLIAC, the GLVC and the Northern Sun.

Northwood will host Ohio Dominican Saturday (October 19). Game time is set for Noon.