LEESBURG, Va. - The University of Northern Iowa football team has been tabbed as the No. 18 team in the country on the 2012 Beyond Sports Network FCS Preseason Top 25 poll, it was announced today.

Along with UNI, the Missouri Valley Football Conference is representing by two other teams on the top-25 list. Defending National Champions North Dakota State come into the poll ranked No. 2 while Illinois State landed at No. 16.

The Panthers compiled a 10-3 overall record and 7-1 league slate to earn a share of the MVFC title during the 2011 season. UNI has been ranked in the top-25 in 94 consecutive polls.

UNI won back-to-back MVFC titles in 2011 following a 7-1 run through league play. UNI sealed a part of the MVFC title with a 23-20 double-overtime win at Illinois State to close out the regular season. The Panthers also achieved Farley's sixth 10-plus win season since taking over in 2001.

Throughout the upcoming season, BSN will be featuring schools and players through our Top 25, Athletes of the Week Awards, Beyond the Sidelines video interviews, All American Teams, and other online features.

The Panthers open their regular season on Sept. 1 when they take on Wisconsin in Madison, Wisc. The game is set to kick-off at 2:30 p.m. CT.