BURNSVILLE, MINN. - The NSIC announced their 2024 Football Preseason Coaches' Poll today with the Cougars landing the No. 8 spot while Carter Slykhuis and Cal Botsford were named the team's offensive and defensive players to watch. 

"We are really excited to enter 2024 with a strong core of returning players," stated 2nd year head coach, Jim Glogowski. "With nearly 15 players seeking a post graduate degree, we feel like our leadership and experience will be vastly improved and play a major role in moving the program forward. This group has worked extremely hard during the off-season, and I can't wait to see what the 2024 squad can accomplish!" 

Minnesota Duluth claimed the top spot in this seasons standings with eight first place votes followed by Augustana with three and Minnesota State with one. Wayne State claimed the fourth seed with Bemidji State sitting fifth followed by MSU Moorhead and Winona State. 

Sioux Falls is looking to improve upon last seasons 3-8 record and 9th place finish. The Coo will return 76 to its 118-man roster along with 10 transfers and 32 freshmen. USF averaged 25.27 points per game last season with a total of 278 points on the year.  

Slykhuis, a 5-10 graduate wide receiver, looks to finish his career with the Coo after pulling down 70 passes for 773 yards last season and five touchdowns. Throughout his career with USF, the 2023 first team all-conference selection has recorded 137 receptions for 1,475 yards and eight career touchdowns while averaging 44.7 yards per game. 

"Carter has been a dynamic playmaker for us on both offense and special teams," stated Glogowski. "He was an all-conference performer last season. His ability to catch and get vertical makes him a valuable part of our offense. He has become a leader by example and is one of the most competitive players within our program." 

Botsford, a 6-2 graduate defensive lineman, will look to cap off his career following a stellar undergraduate campaign. In 2023, Botsford recorded 19 tackles with 2 tackles for a loss of 19 yards while assisting on a sack for a loss of 3 yards and a forced fumble. Throughout his career, he has recorded 42 tackles throughout 28 games played along with 9 tackles for a loss of 56 yards and 4.5 sacks for a loss of 33 yards and two forced fumbles. 

"Cal is one of several sixth-year players we have on the squad this season," stated Glogowski. "He is one of the best vocal leaders we have and is capable of playing any spot on the defensive line. He has the ability to anticipate what the offense is going to do before the ball is snapped."