FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- With football season around the corner, the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association released its annual preseason coaches' poll on Monday afternoon, with Albion College picked to finish fifth. 

Alma College earned the top spot, while last-year's reigning champion Hope College ranked second, as the pair evenly split the eight first-place votes. The Bulldogs of Adrian College were ranked third and Trine University was slotted to finish fourth.

The University of Olivet, Calvin University, and Kalamazoo College rounded out the poll in sixth, seventh, and eighth respectively. 

The Britons enter their third season under head coach Travis Rundle coming off a 7-3 campaign a year ago that featured a 5-2 mark in MIAA action. Albion returns a pair of 2024 All-MIAA Second Team selections in Connor Davey and Dilon Denison. The duo are set to make a serious impact on the offensive side of the ball.

Albion gets the season underway on Saturday, September 6, with a road tilt against the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The Britons have won their previous two contests against the Pointers, including a 31-23 victory in last season's opener. 

Albion's first appearance within the friendly confines of Sprankle-Sprandel Stadium comes on Saturday, September 20, with a non-conference matchup against Rose Hulman Institute of Technology. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 pm. 

The MIAA slate starts the following weekend as the Britons play host to Trine. Albion closes out the regular season at home on Saturday, November 15, against Calvin. 

Full MIAA Preseason Poll