The Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats are back and they're not messing around. Fresh off defending their title in 2024, they've snagged the top spot in the NAIA Top 25 Poll to kick off 2025. And why not? They're riding a 34-game win streak and scooped up all 19 first-place votes. Dominant? You bet.
Wildcats Lead the Pack
With a 2024 record of 37-2, the Wildcats are stacked and ready to roll. Their opening week is a home tournament facing MidAmerican Nazarene, Columbia, and Concordia. These teams better come prepared because Indiana Wesleyan isn't looking to slow down. Ashley Keck and Gabi Nordaker from Concordia will have their hands full trying to crack this fortress.
Bellevue and Corban in the Chase
Bellevue University isn't far behind, clocking in at No. 2 with 522 points. Their 44-consecutive appearance streak in the ratings is no joke. They'll kick off at the Hope International Slam against teams like College of Idaho and Southern Oregon.
Speaking of Southern Oregon, they're sitting pretty at No. 6 with 439 points after a historic run to the semifinals last year. They're hungry for more, and you could feel it coming.
Corban University is holding down the No. 3 spot with 493 points. With six key returners and only three graduates, they're ready to make some noise at the MBU Spartan Invitational.
Eyes on Eastern Oregon
Eastern Oregon is eyeing redemption. The Mounties, ranked No. 5 with 459 points, suffered all their losses to conference rivals last year. They're set to clash at the Montana Tech Tournament. If they clean up their act, they could be a real problem.
So, who's going to shake things up? Indiana Wesleyan is the team to beat. But with powerhouses like Bellevue and Southern Oregon on their tails, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a wild ride. And just like that… the chase begins.
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Source: naia.org
