KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In new head coach Craig Kirchgessner's first season leading the program, the Harding men's tennis team has been selected as the favorite to win the MIAA/GAC South Division title.

The Bisons topped the 2026 Preseason Coaches Poll released Thursday by the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association office, receiving nine first-place votes and 50 total points.

Harding, currently ranked No. 24 nationally in the ITA Collegiate Tennis Rankings, edged out defending division champion Ouachita Baptist for the top spot. The selection signals high expectations for Kirchgessner's squad, which heads into the spring following a historic fall season that saw seniors Adrian Solorzano and Cian Mikkelsen achieve a No. 4 national doubles ranking.

Ouachita Baptist was picked second with 45 points and received the remaining first-place vote. Southern Arkansas (31 points) and Northeastern State (24 points) were voted third and fourth, respectively. Arkansas-Fort Smith and Southeastern Oklahoma State tied for the fifth spot with 15 points each.

In the North Division, Washburn was the overwhelming favorite to repeat as champions. The Ichabods, ranked No. 6 nationally, garnered nine first-place votes and 50 points. Emporia State was picked second with 40 points, followed by Northwest Missouri State in third with 35 points and the remaining first-place vote.

Nebraska Kearney (26), Augustana (19), and Newman (10) rounded out the North Division standings.

Harding opens its spring season on Saturday, Jan. 31, hosting Hendrix College and John Brown University in Conway, Arkansas.

2026 MIAA/GAC Men's Tennis Preseason Coaches Poll

South Division

1. Harding (9) – 50 points

2. Ouachita Baptist (1) – 45 points

3. Southern Arkansas – 31 points

4. Northeastern State – 24 points 

5. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 15 points 

6. Southeastern Oklahoma State – 15 points

North Division

1. Washburn (9) – 50 points

2. Emporia State – 40 points

3. Northwest Missouri State (1) – 35 points

4. Nebraska Kearney – 26 points

5. Augustana (SD) – 19 points

6. Newman – 10 points

([#] – First Place Votes)