Zebras
Fun fact, since starting in season 11, they are 1 of 3 teams to have a Div 5 title. They also have the most D3 experience since season 24. Seasons 24-47; 49-68; and 71-current. For a total of 47 out of 50 seasons played in D3. With the 2nd highest salary at 370k and 3rd oldest team (27.7 yo), Zebras have everything it takes to win at the D3 level. The only thing in their way? Is a stacked Great 8. If this is to be the season they finally obtain that long awaited D3 Trophy, it’ll be a glorious one.
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UofDallas
Another team at the top of the ranks in 3.5, they also have a D5 banner. Dallas have had a few runs in Div 3 before now, most recently in seasons 44-70 in Div 3.4 After going 20-2 with a PD of 610 and being in 1st place in the Big 8 in season 70, they were promoted to 2.4 for season 71, making them the only team to have D2 experience without a D3 title. Preseason rankings had them as the favorites to win the Great 8 this season. They made it to the semifinals in 72 eventually losing to the team that would go on to be crowned champions. UofD are as close as ever to finally winning a D3 title and potentially solidifying themselves as a D2 team.
Clovis Knights
The number 1 team , going 21-1 in the league this season. Preseason rankings had CK 4th out of 16. This franchise started in season 6, making them the 2nd oldest in the league. CK had their first D3 run in season 8 and their first D2 run in season 37. Having a league high with 6 D3 titles, the highest salary and the only one to be over 400k (407k) whilst an avg team age of 25.6, this top contender ranked team is primed to make a hard run for the championship this season and many more to come. With so much history in the books already, is there any room left for more? If so, a 7th D3 title could cement Clovis Knights as one of the best, if not the best, D3 franchises of all time.
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Corntucky Mildcats
Another team with D2 experience and 4 of their last 5 seasons have been in a D2 league. That is also the most D2 experience by any team in that same time frame. With over 300k in player salaries, the experience and a championship winning culture (1 of 3 teams to have won a D3 title; season 70 3.3) Corntucky seems to be on the right path back to D2. The question should be, when will they make it there? The Great 8 is stacked, the road to the finals will be hard. Had they been in the Big 8, they could’ve possibly been the number one seed this season.
Yoshis Army
Starting in season 67, winning a D4 trophy that same season. They have been in D3.5 for 4 seasons now and have made the playoffs in all 4 of them. Difference now? 1st place. This is arguably the best team in YA history, with a salary of 296k and avg age of 26.5 they have more years like this to come. Making it to the finals might be the easy part for them, winning against any of the Great 8 teams will come with a price. With home field advantage throughout the Big 8, does Yoshis Army have enough in the tank to win its second title ever and first at the D3 level?
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Sandersville Preyers
Another organization to have been formed way back in season 9. They have 5 D4 titles, by making the playoffs this season, they have finally secured their 4th straight season in D3 or higher for the first time in franchise history next season. Proving they belong in D3 for the long term. With a team salary of 275k and avg age of 24.5 this version of the Preyers is more than capable enough to compete in a weaker Big 8. Being in the playoffs is step 1. Step 2? Winning it all. Will it happen this season? Maybe.