2025 ICCAC Fall Preview | Division I Football

The 2025 ICCAC football season kicks off with familiar storylines for Iowa Western, Iowa Central, and Ellsworth as they navigate another schedule in the KJCCC-ICCAC Alliance. Iowa Western headlines the trio after a narrow loss in last year's national championship game, while Iowa Central looks to convert close losses into wins, and Ellsworth continues its rebuild under second-year head coach Matt White.

Iowa Western will have to replace nearly its entire offensive unit, including standout quarterback Hunter Dekkers, but return a strong defensive core with 10 key contributors back. Running back Daniel Swinney, who rushed for over 900 yards last season, will be a focal point for a new-look offense as the Reivers eye another deep playoff run.

Iowa Central finished 6-6 last season after dropping four early one-score games. A fierce quarterback competition and returning playmakers like receiver Dalen Huston and linebacker Taylor Schaefer have the Tritons poised to take a step forward. Head Coach Jesse Montalto's squad will look to stay in the playoff hunt by reversing last year's narrow defeats.

Ellsworth aims to improve from a 1-10 campaign as Coach White continues to reshape the program. Despite losing All-Conference linebacker Adrian Palos and top rusher Calvin Swinney, the Panthers will rely on versatile sophomore Shane Helmick and a large incoming freshman class to build momentum. An opening-week matchup at Central Lakes offers a prime opportunity to start the season strong.