ACU football ranked No. 1 in the nation for first time

For the first time in its NCAA Division II history, the ACU football Wildcats have been voted the No. 1 team in the nation.

"This No. 1 ranking is a great testament to the work and manner in which our student-athletes and coaching staff have represented our university," said Jared Mosley, director of athletics at ACU. "It is certainly a great accomplishment and one we are proud of, but at the same time that No. 1 ranking won't really mean anything until mid-December."

The Wildcats moved from No. 2 in the nation to No. 1 in Monday's American Football Coaches' Association (AFCA) poll after a 38-14 win over then-No. 23 Angelo State on Saturday and previous No. 1 Grand Valley State's 27-24 upset loss against previously unranked Hillsdale (Mich.).

"Coach Thomsen has done a tremendous job building this program with a very intentional focus on impacting the lives of the student-athletes he and his coaching staff lead each day," said Mosley. "The on-field success is a byproduct of the environment and atmosphere that the staff has established, that now permeates the entire program."

The 7-0 Wildcats claimed the No. 1 spot in the land with 621 votes, including 23 first-place votes.

In their annual homecoming game, the Wildcats will play as the nation's No. 1-ranked team for the first time Saturday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. when it hosts LSC South Division rival West Texas A&M at Shotwell Stadium.

About ACU 
ACU is a vibrant, innovative, Christ-centered community that engages students in authentic spiritual and intellectual growth, equipping them to make a real difference in the world. ACU was named one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News and World Report in its 2010 edition and was recently ranked in the top 7 percent of universities nationwide in Forbes magazine’s America’s Best Colleges rankings.

If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.