About In The Huddle

In The Huddle was born out of a profound respect for NCAA Division III Football—a division defined by pure passion, historic rivalries, and unyielding dedication.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide the most comprehensive, accurate, and respected weekly rankings in the nation. By expanding our poll to a Top 40, we ensure that rising regional powerhouses and resilient programs get the national recognition they deserve, not just the traditional heavyweights.

The Methodology

The ITH Top 40 is driven by a diverse, nationwide panel of experts. Our voting body consists of:

  • Active Coaches: Head coaches and coordinators who know the tactical landscape of the game.
  • Media Professionals: Broadcasters, writers, and podcasters who cover D3FB on a weekly basis.
  • Dedicated Alumni: Deeply knowledgeable former players and long-time observers of the division.

Each week, panelists submit a ballot ranking their top 40 teams. Points are awarded in descending order (40 points for a #1 vote, 39 for #2, down to 1 point for #40). These points are aggregated to form our official consensus rankings released every week during the season.

Want to join the panel?

We are always looking for knowledgeable individuals to expand our regional coverage.

Apply to be a Voter