After a 6-0 start for the defending national champion, Linfield takes the No. 1 spot in the first regular seasonNFCA Division III Top 25 poll, the association announced Wednesday. 

The Wildcats garnered seven of the eight first place votes to remain in the No. 1 spot for the third consecutive poll, dating back to last season. The University of Texas at Tyler makes its first appearance ever in the Top 25 at No. 2 after a 12-0 start. UT-Tyler is in its first year of official NCAA Division III membership after completing its provisional period. 

Another 12-0 start has put Lynchburg in the No. 3 spot, while Ithaca, who has not played, takes the No. 4 hole. Wartburg drops three spots, rounding out the top five. Another untested team, Wisconsin-Eau Claire, starts the regular season in the No. 6 spot, while DePauw jumps one spot to No. 7. 

Emory, at 8-1, is just a point behind at No. 8, along with 10-2 Redlands. Despite not having played, St. Thomas drops six spots to round out the top 10. No. 11 Plattsburgh State is 3-3, with all three losses coming to No. 2 UT-Tyler. Poll stalwart Muskingum is at No. 12 after starting 2-0, while Louisiana College drops 9 spots to No. 13 after starting 5-1. 

Previously unranked Rowan is No. 14 after starting 3-1, while 4-2 Coe jumps a spot to No. 15. Three untested teams follow at Nos. 16-18, including Tufts, Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Ramapo, respectively. East Texas Baptist makes its first appearance in the poll this season at No. 19 after starting 9-1, and 4-0 Wisconsin-Osh Kosh rounds out the top 20. 

Buffalo State and Central, both of which have not played are at Nos. 21 and 22, respectively, while Moravian drops 17 spots to No. 23 after starting 1-3. Wellesley and Montclair State have not played and round out the top 25.