HANOVER, Ind. – The Hanover Panthers received votes as part of the 2026 D3football.com Preseason Poll.
 
The Panthers earned three votes in the poll, the lone Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference team to secure a spot.
 
Hanover dominated in 2025 winning the HCAC crown with a perfect 6-0 mark and advancing to the NCAA Playoffs. They made history by winning their first home NCAA Playoff game, topping Grove City at Alumni Stadium, 23-15.
 
The Blue and Red finished the year with two D3football.com All-Region honorees, including All-American junior defensive back Brian Wall.