After making back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Division II Playoffs, the PennWest California football team was picked to finish third in the PSAC West preseason poll released by the league office Thursday afternoon. Indiana was the preseason favorite for the first time since 2023 with five first-place votes. In the PSAC East, Kutztown was the overwhelming favorite after advancing to the semifinals of the NCAA playoffs and winning its third consecutive PSAC championship. The PSAC West will return to an eight-team division beginning this fall with Lock Haven back in the West for the first time since 2012. The PSAC Championship Game will be played on Nov. 14 at the site of the top team in the PSAC West standings.