Stan Becton's Week 4 Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll ballot

The two-time defending FCS champions fell after a win and multiple new teams entered after seven ranked teams lost. Here's all that changed in the latest Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll ballot from NCAA FCS football reporter Stan Becton. 

Every week, the top teams in the FCS are ranked nationally by both FCS coaches and FCS media. I, Stan Becton, am obviously not a coach, but I am a part of the FCS media and I do have a vote in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll. I'll be submitting my ballot weekly, ranking my top 25 FCS teams.

With the FCS Playoff Committee adding the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll to its selection criteria for the first time in 2023, the media poll is of even more importance moving forward. In an effort to be transparent with my readers, fans and more, I have decided that I will reveal my ballot, with explanations for selections, every week. 

Remember, this is my one ballot out of 56 total Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll voters — and just one ballot from the 23 national representatives that vote. That's to say, yes, my ballot does impact the poll, but it's in no way the end-all-be-all factor.

Nonetheless, here is my Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll ballot for this week.

Week 4: Stan Becton's Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll ballot

OFFICIAL RANKINGS: Click or tap here for the latest STATS Perform Rankings

1. Montana State (3-0) | Previous Ranking: 3 (Where I ranked them: 1)

Montana State had a bye last week. Without a loss, they hold off Idaho from the top spot.

2. Idaho (2-1) | Previous Ranking: 4 (Where I ranked them: 4)

Idaho blasted UAlbany a week after beating an FBS opponent. The Vandals have a résumé worthy of being in contention for the top spot, especially since they were competitive with top-10 FBS team Oregon deep into the fourth quarter. The only reason Idaho isn't the No. 1 team right now is the blemish in the loss column.

3. South Dakota State (2-1) | Previous Ranking: 1 (Where I ranked them: 2)

South Dakota State beat Augustana by three touchdowns, but against a Division II school, the Jackrabbits didn't live up to expectations. South Dakota State does not look like the best team in the FCS through three weeks, even though an FCS team hasn't beaten the Jacks since 2021.

4. North Dakota State (2-1) | Previous Ranking: 2 (Where I ranked them: 4)

Championship teams find a way to win and North Dakota State did just that with its rally against ETSU on the road. 

NEXT UP: Bryce Lance continues family legacy at North Dakota State

5. Villanova (3-0) | Previous Ranking: 5 (Where I ranked them: 5)

Villanova played with fire and almost got burnt against Towson. Yet, the Wildcats still won, so it stays in my top five.

6. South Dakota (1-1) | Previous Ranking: 6 (Where I ranked them: 6)

South Dakota's game was canceled so it stays put at No. 6.

7. Sacramento State (1-2) | Previous Ranking: 11 (Where I ranked them: 8)

No FBS opponent, no problem for Sacramento State. The Hornets dominated a ranked Nicholls team, even without its typical two-quarterback offense.

WHO'S NEXT: Here is every FCS vs FBS game scheduled for 2024

8. Southern Illinois (2-1) | Previous Ranking: 9 (Where I ranked them: 12)

I'll admit I was very low on Southern Illinois entering the year, only ranking it No. 19 in the preseason. However, the Salukis have opened with two convincing nonconference wins in its FCS slate, proving me wrong.

9. Central Arkansas (2-1) | Previous Ranking: 7 (Where I ranked them: 7)

Central Arkansas picked up a good UAC win over Austin Peay. I only dropped the Bears because they didn't beat a ranked team.

10. North Dakota (2-1) | Previous Ranking: 10 (Where I ranked them: 10)

When a top-10 team plays a non-playoff contender, it's supposed to take care of business like North Dakota did against Idaho State.

UPSET TRACKER: Every FCS-over-FBS upset in 2024

11. UC Davis (2-1) | Previous Ranking: 15 (Where I ranked them: 11)

UC Davis beat Southern Utah thanks to an 18-point third quarter. Lan Larison is dynamic.

12. Montana (2-1) | Previous Ranking: 8 (Where I ranked them: 13)

Montana bounced back from a loss with a fantastic showing against Morehead State. It's not enough to move the Grizzlies back into the top 10, but it's impressive nonetheless.

13. William & Mary (2-1) | Previous Ranking: 13 (Where I ranked them: 14)

William & Mary defeated a Wofford team that looks like it could contend for the FCS playoff bubble this year. The Tribe are now 2-0 against the SoCon in nonconference play, with a test against Furman next.

GAMES TO WATCH: The 20 best nonconference games for the 2024 FCS season

14. Mercer (3-0) | Previous Ranking: 23 (Where I ranked them: 21)

Mercer's offense clicking made me rank them last week. This week it's Mercer's defense that has me moving them into the top 15. The Bears held a ranked Chattanooga team to only three points. The SoCon runs through Macon after three weeks.

15. Lafayette (2-1) | Previous Ranking: 19 (Where I ranked them: 16)

Lafayette dominated Marist. Its offense is as balanced as any in the country.

16. Tarleton State (2-1) | Previous Ranking: 16 (Where I ranked them: 17)

Tarleton State had a bye last week after starting the season 2-1.

17. Illinois State (2-1) | Previous Ranking: 18 (Where I ranked them: 20)

Western Illinois had Illinois State on the ropes for a portion of their game, but ISU ultimately won by 17 points.

18. Southeast Missouri State (2-1) | Previous Ranking: NR (Where I ranked them: 25)

Southeast Missouri State had a bye last week, but with seven ranked teams losing, I moved the Redhawks up into the top 20.

19. UIW (1-2) | Previous Ranking: 12 (Where I ranked them: 15)

UIW looked like it was going to get blown out by Southern Illinois, but then the Cardinals fought back to make it a one-score loss. The ability to fight to the end keeps UIW in the top 20.

20. Chattanooga (0-3) | Previous Ranking: 14 (Where I ranked them: 9)

Chattanooga is "defeated" so far this year; the Mocs haven't won a game. However, two of those losses have been to FBS opponents, with the other loss being by one possession to a team I have in the top 15 of my rankings. Chattanooga is hanging on in my rankings because its FCS loss was a close game (unlike Nicholls who fell out of the rankings). 

21. Jackson State (2-1) | Previous Ranking: NR (Where I ranked them: NR)

Jackson State played an FBS opponent tight through three quarters in its season opener, blasted a Division II opponent in Week 2 and then played one of the best halves of any HBCU football team to open Week 3 against rival Southern. While injuries at quarterback are a concern, the Tigers look like the best team in HBCU football.

2024 HBCU football: Following the 2024 HBCU football season from start to finish

22. Rhode Island (2-1) | Previous Ranking: NR (Where I ranked them: NR)

Rhode Island has a quality nonconference win over Holy Cross and opened CAA play with a win over Campbell. It's early, but the Rams could sneakily contend for the CAA title.

23. Abilene Christian (2-1) | Previous Ranking: 25 (Where I ranked them: NR)

Abilene Christian was ranked in FCS polls last week, and will likely be higher in other ballots this week. However, a two-point win over Northern Colorado — which hasn't won a game yet this year after beating a West Georgia team in its first year of FCS play leaves me desiring more from this squad before ranking them in my top 20.

24. Florida A&M (2-1) | Previous Ranking: NR (Where I ranked them: NR)

Florida A&M had a bye after losing to Miami in its last outing, and the Rattlers face another FBS opponent this week. However, with two FCS wins, Florida A&M enters my rankings after a chaotic week.

25. Lamar (2-1) | Previous Ranking: NR (Where I ranked them: NR)

Lamar beat a ranked Weber State team, but I only ranked the Cardinals No. 25 because they only beat Mississippi Valley State by two touchdowns. The teams I ranked above Lamar like Jackson State and Florida A&M tend to dominate the Delta Devils.

Teams to drop out from last week's official rankings: UAlbany (17), Weber State (20), Youngstown State (21), Elon (22), Nicholls (24)