After reaching the 2005 NCAA Division II National Championship game, the Northwest Missouri State football team will open the 2006 season ranked third in the nation.

Northwest will rely on its 14 returning starters from last year’s 11-4 team. They’ll lean on senior defensive end Ryan Waters, who comes into the season a preseason All-American. Waters also received such honors going into last season. He recorded 64 tackles, 11 sacks, and one interception last year.

The first game of the season is Sept. 2 at home against Minnesota State.