Pittsburg has reason to cheer heading into the new college football season: the Pittsburg State Gorillas have earned a No. 4 ranking in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Top 25 Preseason Poll for 2026-27, according to a report from AOL.com published Friday, August 21.

Landing in the top five of the prestigious AFCA preseason rankings is a significant honor for the Gorillas program and a testament to the hard work put in by the team, coaches, and the broader Pittsburg State athletic community over the offseason. The poll, compiled by college football coaches across the country, reflects widespread respect for what Pittsburg State has built and what the program is expected to bring to the field this season.

For fans in and around Pittsburg, a top-four preseason ranking is the kind of news that makes late-summer anticipation run high. It signals that the Gorillas are once again positioned as one of the premier programs at their level of competition, drawing national attention to the community and the university.

Pittsburg State has long been a source of local pride, and a ranking like this only deepens that connection between the university and the city it calls home. Whether you are a longtime Gorilla faithful or a newcomer to the fan base, this preseason nod is a wonderful reminder of the talent and dedication that defines Pittsburg State football.

As the 2026 season approaches, Pittsburg residents and Gorilla supporters everywhere will be watching closely to see the team build on this recognition. Go Gorillas!

Sources: AOL.com