St. Scholastica is again favored to win the UMAC.
The Saints (7-3 in 2016) received one more point than reigning champion Northwestern in the coaches poll released Tuesday. St. Scholastica earned three first-place votes compared to the Eagles' five but had 73 overall points to Northwestern's 72 to be labeled UMAC favorites.
The Saints welcome back all-conference defensive backs Kenneth Jinkins and Jonathan Senger, who combined for six interceptions last season, along with defensive lineman Jake Zoellick.
St. Scholastica wide receiver Aaron Olson of Esko led NCAA Division III with 18 touchdown receptions a year ago and will be catching passes from a new signal-caller.
