BURNSVILLE, Minn. – With one first place vote, the Augustana football team was tabbed to finish third for the 2026 NSIC season, announced by the conference office on Monday. In the same release, quarterback Gunnar Hensley and defensive back Jermaine Hampton Jr. were named as Viking Players to Watch.

New for the 2026 season, the NSIC Network is now powered by Midco Sports Plus, the conference's new streaming home for exclusive live and on-demand coverage of all 16 NSIC member institutions. Fans can stream every home regular season conference and non-conference home football game, along with NSIC championship events, through a monthly ($15) or annual subscription (less than $7 per month). Subscriptions are available at MidcoSportsPlus.com or through the Midco Sports Plus app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV and Roku.
 
"The returning players, especially on our offense where multiple starters and all-conference players return, make for an intriguing group entering the season," Augustana head coach Jerry Olszewski said. "I believe that our defense has the talent to be a conference contender with more experience and opportunity. As far as special teams, we return all-region K/P Jake Pecina and several return threats that need to step up with the graduation of all-conference receiver/returner Isaiah Huber."
 
Hensley, a senior from Carlsbad, California, was one of the top quarterbacks in the country before going down with an injury in the fifth game of the season. He threw for 1,419 yards and 13 touchdowns without throwing an interception. He also completed 71.9 percent of his passes and added 65 rushing yards with a touchdown. The 2024 All-NSIC Second Team member was named NSIC Player of the Week after throwing for 430 yards and three touchdowns in a season-opening win against MoWest.

"Gunnar was preseason Offensive Player of the Year in 2025 and was playing in that manner prior to his season ending injury early in the season," Olszewski said. "He has all the talent and football intelligence you can ask for in a leader. He is a two-time captain and three year starter."
 
Hampton Jr., a junior from Chicago, Illinois, returns following an All-NSIC Second Team campaign last season. He recorded 19 tackles and recorded a sack while finishing second on the team with five pass breakups. He put opposing receivers on an island, hardly ever seeing action on his side of the field. 

Jermaine has been a multi-year starter and all-conference player," Olszewski added. "He has all the tools you want in a cornerback and I believe still has his best football ahead of him."
 
The 104th season of Augustana football kicks off on Thursday, Aug. 27 as the Vikings travel to Springfield, Mo., for its season opener against MoWest. Season ticket packages begin at just $89 and can be purchased by clicking here or by going to GoAugie.com/Tickets. Single game tickets will be on sale Monday, August 17.
 
Augustana will host five home games in 2025 including the Key to the City game against Sioux Falls on Oct. 3, Viking Days/Hall of Fame Game on Oct. 25 against Southwest Minnesota State and Senior Day Nov. 15 against Minnesota State. 
 
Full NSIC Coaches' Poll
1. Minnesota State (10), 166
2. Minnesota Duluth (3), 154
3. Augustana (1), 145
4. Sioux Falls, 126
5. Wayne State, 125
6. Northern State, 106
7. Bemidji State, 97
8. MSU Moorhead, 86
9. Winona State, 83
10. Minot State, 52
11. UMary, 51
12. Concordia-St. Paul, 34
13. Jamestown, 29
14. Southwest Minnesota State, 21

NSIC South Division Coaches' Poll
1. Minnesota State (6), 36
2. Augustana (1), 29
3. Sioux Falls, 27
4. Wayne State, 22
5. Winona State, 16
6. Concordia-St. Paul, 9
7. Southwest Minnesota State, 8