Johns Hopkins Football Earns No. 6 Ranking in Lindy’s 2026 Preseason Poll

by Brian Hradsky · July 15, 2026

Johns Hopkins Football Earns No. 6 Ranking in Lindy’s 2026 Preseason Poll

Blue Jays Once Again Among NCAA Division III National Championship Favorites

The expectations continue to rise in Homewood.

Johns Hopkins football enters the 2026 season as one of the nation’s premier Division III programs after earning the No. 6 ranking in the 2026 Lindy’s Sports Division III Preseason Poll. The recognition comes after another outstanding campaign that saw the Blue Jays reach the NCAA Division III semifinals and further establish themselves among college football’s elite programs.

Although Lindy’s no longer publishes a preseason Top 25 for Division III football, the magazine’s annual Top 10 rankings remain one of the sport’s most respected preseason evaluations. Landing sixth nationally places Johns Hopkins firmly in the conversation for another deep NCAA playoff run and potentially the first national championship in program history.

Lindy’s 2026 Division III Preseason Top 10

North Central (Illinois)
Mount Union (Ohio)
Bethel (Minnesota)
Wartburg (Iowa)
John Carroll (Ohio)
Johns Hopkins
Wisconsin-Platteville
Wheaton (Illinois)
Saint John’s (Minnesota)
Wisconsin-La Crosse

The rankings feature many of the traditional Division III powerhouses, and Johns Hopkins has firmly cemented itself among them after years of sustained excellence.

Blue Jays Continue National Rise

Johns Hopkins has transformed into one of the most consistent winners in Division III football.

The Blue Jays have become a perennial Centennial Conference champion while regularly advancing into the NCAA Tournament. Under head coach Dan Wodicka, the program has developed a reputation for disciplined football, outstanding defense, efficient offense, and exceptional player development.

The 2025 season added another chapter to that success. Johns Hopkins reached the national semifinals, once again proving it can compete with the very best programs in Division III football. That postseason run helped solidify the Blue Jays as one of the preseason favorites entering 2026.

Defense Remains the Foundation

One of the biggest reasons for the program’s continued success has been its defense.

Johns Hopkins consistently ranks among the national leaders in scoring defense, takeaways, sacks, and total defense. The Blue Jays have built a physical identity that allows them to control games against both conference opponents and national contenders.

That defensive culture has become a hallmark of the program and will again be expected to lead the way this fall.

Centennial Conference Favorite

The Blue Jays also enter the season as the clear favorite in the Centennial Conference.

Johns Hopkins has dominated the league over the past decade, capturing multiple conference championships while producing numerous All-Americans and All-Region selections. Every season now carries expectations that extend beyond simply winning the conference.

The goal is reaching Salem, Virginia, and competing for the NCAA Division III National Championship.

Maryland Football Continues to Shine

The ranking also highlights the strength of football in Maryland.

While much of the attention around the state focuses on the Baltimore Ravens, Maryland Terrapins, Navy, Towson, and Morgan State, Johns Hopkins continues to quietly build one of the nation’s premier football programs regardless of division.

National respect continues to grow, and the Blue Jays have become one of Maryland’s most successful collegiate athletic programs.

Looking Ahead

With another talented roster returning, experienced coaching, and a culture built around winning championships, Johns Hopkins will enter the 2026 season carrying lofty expectations.

The No. 6 preseason ranking reflects both what the Blue Jays accomplished last season and what national observers believe they are capable of achieving this fall.

If Johns Hopkins can once again dominate the Centennial Conference and navigate the demanding NCAA Division III playoff bracket, the Blue Jays could find themselves competing for the ultimate prize—a national championship.