ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Valley Football Conference released its preseason football poll on Tuesday, and two North Dakota schools are in the top five. While North Dakota State looks to win its record-extending tenth national title this season, they will do so looking up at defending national champion and conference rival South Dakota State. The Bison were picked to finish second to the Jackrabbits.

The University of North Dakota was picked to finish fourth in the poll of the league’s media, head coaches and communications directors.

South Dakota State was picked to win the conference with 44 of 45 first-place votes. Northern Iowa was third, Southern Illinois fifth and Youngstown State sixth.

Illinois State, Missouri State, South Dakota, Indiana State, Murray State and Western Illinois rounded out the poll in order.

NDSU had 14 picks named to the MVFC Preseason Team, while UND saw ten selections.

Fullback Hunter Brozio, offensive lineman Jalen Sundell, defensive lineman Eli Mostaert and return specialist Jayden Price were all named to the first-team for the Bison.

Second team selections for NDSU include running back TaMerik Williams, tight end Joe Stoffel, offensive linemen Jake Kubus and Brandon Westberg, defensive lineman Will Mostaert, linebacker Cole Wisniewski, defensive back Jayden Price and place-kicker Griffin Crosa.

Those named honorable mention for the Bison were wide receiver Zach Mathis and linebacker Nick Kubitz.

UND first-team selections include wide receiver Bo Belquist, offensive lineman Donny Ventrelli and defensive lineman Ben McNaboe.

C.J. Siegel was the lone Fighting Hawk named to the second-team; however, Siegel was named at two positions, defensive back and return specialist.

Honorable mentions for UND include quarterback Tommy Schuster, offensive linemen Easton Kitty and Brayden Bryant, linebacker Wyatt Pedigo and all-purpose player Red Wilson.

NDSU will to travel to Minneapolis to open their season on Sept. 2, at 2:30 p.m. The Bison take on the Eastern Washington Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium.

UND hosts Drake University in its opener the same day. Kickoff for the Fighting Hawks will be at 3 p.m.