LINCOLN, Neb. – The Nebraska Wesleyan University women's basketball team has been ranked sixth in the American Rivers Conference Preseason Poll for the 2026-27 season, as announced on Wednesday morning.
 
The American Rivers Conference preseason poll is voted on by each school's head coach, ranking their predicted order of regular-season finish, not including their own team. First-place votes are worth 7 points, second-place votes are worth 6, and so on to one point for eighth place.
 
The team returns two starters from last year and introduces a strong newcomer class comprised of a Division II transfer, an NAIA transfer, two NJCAA transfers and nine freshmen. The Prairie Wolves finished ninth in the conference last season and looks to secure a spot in the conference tournament for the first time since 2019. The top six teams in the conference earn a place in the tournament.
 
The Prairie Wolves open their season against Waldorf at 5:00 p.m. on October 6, at the Central Bank Classic hosted by Buena Vista. 

2026-27 A-R-C Women's Basketball Preseason Poll 
1. Wartburg College - 48 (6)
2. Coe College - 43 (2)
3. Buena Vista University - 37
4. Simpson College - 32
5. Central College - 21
6. Nebraska Wesleyan University - 20
7. Loras College - 14
8. University of Dubuque - 9