Northwestern Oklahoma State University edged out Southern Nazarene University by seven votes to top the 2011 Central States Football League Preseason Poll. The poll is composed of the league's coaches, sports information directors and selected members of the media.

Northwestern received eight of 10 first place votes and a total of 41 votes. Southern Nazarene University totaled 34 points and receiving two first place votes. Langston University came in third place with 30 votes, while Bacone College was fourth with 24 votes. Southwestern Assemblies of God University fell in fifth place with 16 votes, while Texas College rounded out the teams in sixth place with 11 total votes.

For the 2011 season, six teams will compete for the crown. Teams include: Bacone College, Langston University, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Southern Nazarene, Southwestern Assemblies of God University and Texas College.

Last season, Northwestern won the CSFL with a 5-0 record. Langston won the league during the 2008 and 2009 seasons, while Northwestern took the title in 2007. Texas College and Southern Nazarene were crowned as co-champions in 2006. Texas College and Langston University finished as co-champions in 2005. Northwestern Oklahoma State won the CSFL title from 2000-04.