The Slippery Rock University football team will open the season ranked #4 in the nation in Division II. The ranking ties the 1999 Rock football team for the highest ranking to begin a season. Defending national champion Ferris State opens the season ranked #1, followed by Harding and Grand Valley State. Defending PSAC champion Kutztown is ranked seventh. Defending PSAC-West champion California is ranked #15.
The Rock will open their season in New Hampshire against Franklin Pierce University September 5th. They return home for three consecutive Saturday night games following the opener.