Simpson football voted sixth in A-R-C Preseason Coaches Poll
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Simpson College football team will enter the 2024 season picked sixth in the A-R-C Preseason Coaches Poll as announced by the conference office on Friday.
Simpson received 25 total points, edging out Nebraska Wesleyan, Buena Vista and Luther in the poll. Defending champion Wartburg reclaimed the top spot with seven of the nine available first place votes.
"Our team is excited for the upcoming season," said head coach Reed Hoskins. "We have a great group of returners and are looking forward to seeing all their hard work and dedication pay off this fall. The A-R-C schedule provides great competition every year and Storm football will be ready for the challenge!"
The Storm begin the 2024 campaign on the road against Augustana on Saturday, Sept. 7 before their home opener on Saturday, Sept. 14 against Crown.
2023 IN REVIEW
- The Storm finished their first season under Hoskins with a 3-7 record overall, including conference wins over Buena Vista and Luther.
- Returning linebacker CJ Hangartner (second team) and graduate receiver Reed Worth (third team) were selected to the D3football.com All-Region 5 Team.
- Hangarter and Worth were also named first team all-conference, while returning linebacker Wyatt Schaben garnered honorable mention recognition for the third straight year.
- Worth broke the school record for most career receiving yards (3,265) and touchdowns (35). He led the conference in receiving yards (1,160) and ranked second in receptions (77) and third in touchdowns (15).
- Quarterback J Jensen III threw for 2,904 yards (2nd in A-R-C) and 28 touchdowns (3rd in A-R-C) while completing nearly 62 percent of his passes.
- CJ Hangartner led the conference with 16 tackles for loss and paced the team in sacks with seven.
- Linebackers Wyatt Schaben and Zach Truitt led the team in tackles with 73.
KEY OFFENSIVE RETURNERS (2023 STATS)
- J Jensen III, senior quarterback (2,904 yards, 28 touchdowns, 61.9% completion)
- Joe Bream, senior offensive lineman (9 games started, 1 touchdown)
- Cole Staska, junior wide receiver (55 receptions, 550 yards, 4 touchdowns)
- Briley Hayes, junior running back (181 rushing yards, 110 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns)
KEY DEFENSIVE RETURNERS (2023 STATS)
- CJ Hangartner, junior linebacker (60 tackles, 16 TFL, 7 sacks)
- Wyatt Schaben, senior linebacker (73 tackles, 9 TFL, 1.5 sacks)
- Zach Truitt, senior linebacker (73 tackles, 5 TFL, 2 interceptions)
- Payton Betts, sophomore defensive back (46 tackles, 9 pass breakups)
2024 AMERICAN RIVERS CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PRESEASON POLL
1. Wartburg (13-1, 8-0 A-R-C) - 62 points
2. Coe (9-2, 7-1 A-R-C) - 55 points
3. Central (6-2, 6-2 A-R-C) - 51 points
4. Dubuque 5-5, 5-3 A-R-C) - 46 points
5. Loras (5-5, 4-4 A-R-C) - 36 points
6. Simpson (3-7, 2-6 A-R-C) - 25 points
7. Nebraska Wesleyan (4-6, 2-6 A-R-C) - 24 points
8. Buena Vista (2-8, 2-6 A-R-C) - 17 points
9. Luther (0-10, 0-8 A-R-C) - 8 points
