Re-ranking the final 8 FCS playoff teams before the quarterfinals

Eight teams remain in the 2023 FCS playoffs. As the quarterfinals approach, the time is right to re-rank the teams left standing.

A quick reminder: These are my rankings only. The FCS championship committee does not re-rank teams in the playoffs; this will not impact the actual field. This re-ranking of the remaining playoff teams will provide a look at how teams have played in the playoffs so far and who has impressed. That said, let's look at the new rankings for FCS playoff teams.

Re-ranking the FCS teams entering the quarterfinals

1. South Dakota State

41-0. That's how South Dakota State opened its title defense in the playoffs — with an undefeated record. The Jackrabbits stay at the top.

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2. Montana

Montana is on an eight-game win streak and dominated Delaware 49-19. The Grizzlies look like the second-best team in the country.

3. UAlbany

UAlbany moves up to No. 3 after a dominant performance over Richmond. The Great Danes have playmakers at every level of its defense, led by edge tandem Anton Juncaj and AJ Simon. Quarterback Reese Poffenbarger looked elite in the second round too. UAlbany looks like a hard out for any team in the playoffs right now.

4. South Dakota

South Dakota jumped out to a 17-0 lead in its first playoff game and held off Sacramento State for the rest of the day. The Coyotes remain legit on defense, and the offense looks balanced enough to keep it in tight games.

5. North Dakota State

North Dakota State dominated Drake in the first round, and won a thriller over six seed Montana State in the second round. The Bison have a run game that can compete with almost anyone and overcome less than efficient passing days.

North Dakota State vs. Montana State: 2023 FCS playoffs second round highlights

6. Idaho

Idaho drops two spots in these rankings after needing overtime to defeat Southern Illinois. There are no questions surrounding its offense with quarterback Gevani McCoy, running back Anthony Woods and wide receiver Hayden Hatten, but the Vandal defense looks worse than some of the top defenses in the country on teams that rank above them.

7. Furman

Furman's defense remains legit, only allowing 84 passing yards against Chattanooga. However, the Furman offense looked rusty at times as quarterback Tyler Huff made his return from injury. The Paladins stay put as their offense looks to find its groove.

BRACKET: See the official 2023 FCS playoff bracket

8. Villanova

Villanova stays put at No. 8, even after a blowout win over Youngstown State. The Wildcats looked good in all phases of the game, but there isn't one area where Villanova looked dominant.