BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) has kicked off the 2026-27 athletic year with its annual preseason football poll. Minnesota State Moorhead was selected eighth in the initial rankings, including a fourth-place projection in the North Division.
Additionally, senior offensive lineman
Nick Haugrud and senior defensive back
Adam Kallenbach were tabbed as MSUM's 'players to watch' in 2026.
Moorhead commanded the eighth spot in the coaches' rankings behind 86 total points. Minnesota State topped the poll with 166 points and 10 first-place votes. Minnesota Duluth (3) and Augustana (1) earned the other first-place votes. In the North Division poll, the Dragons were slotted fourth with 23 points while the aforementioned Bulldogs topped the index.
The Dragons are coming off an 8-3 record in 2025, including a 7-3 mark in conference games. MSUM finished third in the NSIC in 2025, including a second-place North Division finish. Moorhead concluded the season with a 31-23 victory on the road over 14
th-ranked Minnesota State. In 2026, the Dragons will be forced to fill vital roles on both sides of the ball, replacing a senior class of 20 student-athletes.
"This is one of the younger teams we've had in recent years, with many players stepping into meaningful game action for the first time. Replacing a talented senior class is never easy, and there are undoubtedly big shoes to fill," said MSUM head football coach
Steve Laqua, who enters his 16
th season at the helm in the fall. "As we move through the season, our identity will continue to evolve. The key will be discovering what this team does best, building around those strengths, and making steady progress each week."
Haugrud was named MSUM's offensive 'player to watch' thanks to an already stacked career with the Dragons. A four-year starter along the Dragon offensive line, Haugrud is set to start his 32
nd career game when the Dragons kick off on August 27. A native of Pelican Rapids, Minn., Hagrud has played a variety of positions in the MSUM front five.
"Nick provides a steady, stabilizing presence for our entire offensive line. With 32 career starts, he has developed into one of our team's most respected leaders," said Laqua of the senior. "His versatility allows him to excel at multiple positions while making a significant impact in both the run and pass game."
Kallenbach is set to conclude his stellar Dragon career in 2026 following an all-conference season in 2025. The Jamestown, N.D., product tallied a career-high 46 total tackles a season ago, including 26 solo stops. Kallenbach was a pest behind the line of scrimmage, making 6.5 tackles for loss as well. He would also intercept three passes to go along with eight pass breakups in 2025.
"Adam consistently finds a way to make the big play when our defense needs it most. He covers a tremendous amount of ground in the passing game while being a sound tackler," said Laqua of the fifth-year senior. "With a young roster this fall, his experience and leadership will be essential to helping our team reach its potential."
Moorhead is set to open the 2026 season at home under the lights at Alex Nemzek Stadium. The Dragons play host to Northern Michigan on Thursday, August 27 beginning at 6 p.m.
