TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Northeastern State University's tennis programs are set to begin the 2026 season with renewed energy, including the long-anticipated return of the men's team to competition for the first time since 2000.

In the 2026 MIAA Women's Tennis Preseason Coaches Poll, NSU was picked seventh with 33 points. Washburn earned the top spot with 70 points and nine first-place votes, followed by Central Oklahoma (63 points, two first-place votes) and Nebraska Kearney (53 points, one first-place vote).

The NSU men's team, competing for the first time in 25 years, enters the MIAA/GAC South Division, where they were selected fourth in the preseason coaches poll with 24 points. Harding topped the division with 50 points and nine first-place votes, while Ouachita was second with 45 points and one first-place nod.

In the North Division, Washburn was the favorite with 50 points and nine first-place votes, followed by Emporia State (40), Northwest Missouri (35, one first-place vote) and Nebraska Kearney (26).

The RiverHawks men's squad will open the season on Friday, Feb. 6, hosting UT Tyler in Tahlequah. The women's team will warm up for regular-season play with an exhibition match against Missouri State on Feb. 4.

2026 MIAA/GAC MEN'S TENNIS PRESEASON COACHES POLL

NORTH DIVISION
1. Washburn [9] – 50 points
2. Emporia State – 40 points
3. Northwest Missouri [1] – 35 points
4. Nebraska Kearney – 26 points
5. Augustana – 19 points
6. Newman – 10 points

SOUTH DIVISION
1. Harding [9] – 50 points
2. Ouachita [1] – 45 points
3. Southern Arkansas – 31 points
4. Northeastern State – 24 points
T5. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 15 points
T5. Southeastern – 15 points
[#] - First Place Votes

2026 MIAA WOMEN'S TENNIS PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Washburn [9] – 70 points
2. Central Oklahoma [2] – 63 points
3. Nebraska Kearney [1] – 53 points
4. Northwest Missouri – 51 points
5. Missouri Western – 47 points
6. Emporia State – 40 points
7. Northeastern State – 33 points
8. Arkansas-Fort Smith – 19 points
9. Newman – 16 points
10. Fort Hays State – 13 points 
[#] - First Place Votes