Way-too-early FCS football top 25 rankings for the 2026-27 season

It’s been less than a month since Montana State defeated Illinois State in the first-ever overtime game in an FCS Championship Game, but it’s already time to look to next season. Here's a way-too-early look at the top 25 FCS football teams for the 2026 season.

1. Montana State | Last year’s finish: 14-2 (National champion)

The defending national champions are my way-too-early No. 1 team for 2026. Montana State returns its starting quarterback Justin Lamson, running back Adam Jones, wide receiver Taco Dowler and offensive lineman Titan Fleischmann on the offensive side of the ball in addition to other pieces. While the Bobcats did lose pieces in the secondary on defense, they still return safeties Caden Dowler, Taki Uluilakepa and Tayden Gray which will ease any transition at cornerback. Bryce Grebe also returns at linebacker.

Montana State also has head coach Brent Vigen for another year. It might only be February, but the Bobcats have a great shot at running the table in 2026. The nonconference slate is favorable and the only Big Sky teams that finished with a record above .500 last season on the schedule are Northern Arizona and Montana. MSU plays both at home.

TRANSFER PORTAL INSIGHT: Why top FCS stars returned to schools over the transfer portal

2. South Dakota State | Last year’s finish: 9-5 (FCS Second round)

Now I know South Dakota State's ranking at No. 2 may come as a surprise to some, but trust me, this is not for shock value. The Jackrabbits had a down year last year under first-year head coach Dan Jackson, going 9-5. However, a large part of that can be attributed to injuries.

Before starting quarterback Chase Mason got hurt, SDSU was ranked No. 2 in the country and undefeated. The Jackrabbits lost four of five regular season games without Mason. When Mason returned for the playoffs, he completed 63 percent of his passes for 586 yards and four touchdowns, rushing for two more scores.

With Mason and others back healthy this year, South Dakota State should be back competing for titles.

3. North Dakota State | Last year’s finish: 12-1 (FCS second round)

After a stunning upset in last year’s FCS playoffs, North Dakota State will enter 2026 with sights on redemption. It’ll have to do so without quarterback Cole Payton and wide receiver Bryce Lance, among others. 

In comes Nathan Hayes at quarterback. Hayes looked good when he got some reps against St. Thomas to close the regular season, but he’ll need more than just one game to get the Bison back on top. Hayes isn’t an overwhelming question mark, but he’s still a question mark on NDSU’s outlook for the 2026 season.

That said, the North Dakota State defense should be good yet again with All-MVFC players like Keenan Wilson, linebacker Donovan Woolen and others returning. They should help lessen the sting of some transfer portal losses and keep the Bison near the top of the rankings all season long. 

4. Montana | Last year’s finish: 13-2 (FCS semifinalist)

Montana would’ve been ranked No. 2 if not for former head coach Bobby Hauck’s recent retirement. Yet, even with his retirement I keep the Griz in the top five. Montana returns a talented offensive trio in quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat, running Eli Gillman and wide receiver Brooks Davis. While all could end up entering the portal after a coach departure, talks with Ah Yat and Gilman before Hauck’s departure make me think that they’ll stick around.

The Montana offense should be one of the top in the country this year and the defense should hold its own with linebackers Peyton Wing and Caleb Otlewski back in the fold.

There may be a slight drop off without Hauck, but the talent is still there to compete with the best.

MORE PORTAL: FCS transfers who could impact next year's CFP race

5. Rhode Island | Last year’s finish: 11-3 (FCS second round)

Rhode Island is the favorite in a new-look CAA thanks to the return of Devin Farrell and Marquis Buchanan. The Rams went undefeated in the CAA last year, and if not for a loss to FBS transitioning Delaware in 2024, would have two straight seasons of undefeated conference play. Rhode Island is a team that should be competing for a top-four playoff seed this fall.

6. Illinois State | Last year’s finish: 12-5 (FCS runner-up)

Illinois State has to replace quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse and wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz after falling short in the national championship game. Sobkowicz’s departure will be the easiest to recover from with exciting weapons like wideouts Dylan Lord and Luke Mailander back. Rittenhouse will be replaced by 2025’s backup Beckham Pellant or incoming USC transfer Gage Roy. Whoever takes over the job will benefit from an offensive line with returning starters and running back Victor Dawson back.

The defense shouldn’t miss a beat either with linebackers Mason Kaplan and Tye Niekamp back. The Redbirds are more than just a Cinderella run from last year.

7. North Dakota | Last year’s finish: 8-6 (FCS second round)

North Dakota’s success in 2026 will come down to the arm of Jerry Kaminski. He had a solid start to the year before throwing 10 interceptions across his final six games. Luckily for him, he’ll get new offensive coordinator Danny Freund to help him cut down on the turnovers. I like the Freund-Kaminski duo entering 2026.

Elsewhere on offense, the Fighting Hawks lost running back Sawyer Seidl to the portal, but picked up in-conference transfer Matt Lawson from Illinois State. Lawson will join Kaminski in the backfield behind four of five returning starters on the offensive line. 

I think the returning talent on offense is enough to carry North Dakota near the top of the MVFC this season.

🗓️: When does the 2026 college football season start?

8. Lehigh | Last year’s finish: 12-1 (FCS second round)

Lehigh returns Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year Luke Yoder, plus first team all-conference quarterback Hayden Johnson in 2026. All-Patriot League tight end Joseph Marranca and defensive back Aidan Singleton are also back.

For all the talk of Patriot League newcomers, we can’t forget about the Mountain Hawks. Lehigh went undefeated with a 12-0 finish in the regular season last year and have two straight years of playoff experience. 

Lehigh has the makings of a top-10 team next year, even after an early playoff exit.

9. Youngstown State | Last year’s finish: 8-5 (FCS first round)

Youngstown State returns the best player in FCS football in 2026 — reigning Walter Payton Award winner Beau Brungard. However, he alone isn’t the reason the Penguins open in the way-too-early top-10.

On defense, All-American Mike Wells returns with Mike Voitus and Ebony Curry Jr. in the front seven. The Penguins also added eight FBS transfers and six FCS transfers, including four players in a secondary that needs replacing in 2026.

The defense should hold its own this year, allowing Brungard to have another season that gets YSU to the playoffs.

10. Tarleton State | Last year’s finish: 12-2 (FCS quarterfinalist)

Tarleton State had an impressive run last year to the FCS quarterfinals, but lost its starting quarterback, Freshman All-American running back and a number of all-conference defenders.

However, the Texans are bringing in the top transfer portal class in the FCS, led by FBS quarterback Braedyn Locke. I also like the pick up of running back Miequle Brock Jr. (Nicholls) and wide receivers DeAndre Buchannon (West Georgia) and B.J. Fleming (North Dakota).

Tarleton State isn’t a top-five preseason team like last year, but it should open as the favorite in the UAC.

11. Villanova | Last year’s finish: 12-3 (FCS semifinalist)

Villanova made the FCS semifinals last year and will now move to the Patriot League this fall. 

Ja’briel Mace and Isaiah Ragland return at running back as do returnees on the offensive line. Both will help to ease the transition of whatever quarterback replaces Pat McQuaide. 

However, the Wildcats might feel the losses of every All-CAA defensive player from 2025. I expect Villanova to be near the top of the new-look Patriot league, but the Wildcats have a lot to replace.

NEW HOMES: Making sense of FCS conference realignment

12. Austin Peay | Last year’s finish: 7-5 (Missed playoffs)

Austin Peay was one of the first teams left out of the playoffs last year after an overtime loss to Tarleton State ended its regular season. The Governors might not have to worry about a selection day decision in 2026 with the way this year’s team is set up.

Austin Peay returns the best quarterback in the UAC in Chris Parson and arguably the best offensive lineman and defender, too, in lineman Joshua Sales Jr. and defensive back Ellis Ellis Jr. When combined with a solid transfer portal class, the Governors could earn a seed in this year’s playoffs.

13. UC Davis | Last year’s finish: 9-4 (FCS quarterfinalist)

For the second straight year of Tim Plough’s tenure at UC Davis, he’ll have to replace his starting quarterback. No one expected Caden Pinnick to come out of nowhere and do what he did last fall, so Plough can get the benefit of the doubt at the quarterback position.

The Aggies will still have playmakers on offense with wide receiver Samuel Gbatu Jr. and running back Jordan Fisher back. On defense, all conference players like defensive back Drew Cofield and linebacker Nate Rutchena should keep the unit intact as All-American safety Rex Connors departs.

After making the quarterfinals in the last two seasons, the expectations shouldn’t change at UC Davis in 2026, especially with a favorable schedule.

14. Southern Illinois | Last year’s finish: 7-5 (Missed playoffs)

The best news Southern Illinois fans got all offseason was that quarterback DJ Williams was returning. He accounted for 22 passing touchdowns and 18 rushing touchdowns last season and is an electrifying playmaker under center.

Southern Illinois has a legitimate Walter Payton Award candidate at quarterback. The Salukis dominated the FCS runner-up Illinois State the last time we saw them on the field. This is a team that I think will be in the playoff hunt in a deep MVFC.

FCS AWARDS: Walter Payton Award history | Buck Buchanan Award history | Jerry Rice Award history

15. Yale | Last year’s finish: 9-3 (FCS second round)

You might be thinking top 15 is too high for an Ivy League team. However, Yale won an FCS playoff game last year and played national champion Montana State to a one-possession game in the second round. Quarterback Dante Reno returns to the Bulldogs as does All-American safety Abu Kamara. The Ivy League favorites should have their eyes set on another playoff appearance.

16. South Dakota | Last year’s finish: 10-5 (FCS quarterfinalist)

The loss of quarterback Aidan Bouman is a major one for South Dakota, but the Coyotes have a few replacement options waiting in the wings. Nevan Cremascoli has been the backup in recent years and has FBS starting experience. Jackson Proctor led Dartmouth to an Ivy League title. Redshirt freshman Austyn Modrzewski also remains a threat to win the starting job.

Whoever wins the starting job will benefit from the return of All-American running back Charles Pierre Jr. to ease any growing pains. Combined with head coach Travis Johansen leading the defense, South Dakota should be good even without its star quarterback.

17. Lamar | Last year’s finish: 8-5 (FCS first round)

Lamar loses a few pieces on the offensive line but returns quarterback Aiden McCown under center. After dealing with some injuries last year, McCown should be healthy this year. The defense should also be good with defensive linemen Peyton Christian back.

The Cardinals look like it should be one of the teams to beat in a top-heavy Southland.

18. Tennessee Tech | Last year’s finish: 11-2 (FCS first round)

Tennessee Tech brought in the No. 3 FCS transfer portal class after an opening round playoff loss. Some key pieces look to be touchdown machine Marcus Harris (Alabama State) and former all-conference running back MJ Flowers (Eastern Illinois/UConn) at running back. Quarterbacks Zolten Osborne (Charleston Southern) and Jax Leatherwood (Southeast Missouri State) also transfer in.

Osborne was an all-conference honorable mention quarterback last year after a 12:6 touchdown to interception ratio. Leatherwood had a 12:2 touchdown to interception ratio in just eight games last year.

Whoever wins the starting job will have to navigate Tennessee Tech’s transition to the SoCon this year, which appears to be wide open. The Golden Eagles should again be competitive in head coach Bobby Wilder’s second year.

19. Northern Arizona | Last year’s finish: 7-5 (Missed playoffs)

Ty Pennington is back at Northern Arizona this year in a Big Sky conference that is loaded at the quarterback position. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns last year and will be a part of a team with the No. 4 transfer portal class in the FCS. Pennington should have Northern Arizona in position for a run towards the playoffs in late October. 

20. Stephen F. Austin | Last year’s finish: 11-3 (FCS quarterfinalist)

Stephen F. Austin won the Southland last year and should be near the top of the conference again in 2026. The Lumberjacks added the No. 9 transfer portal class in the FCS. They’ll need the reload this year after losing players like quarterback Sam Vidlak, wide receiver Kylon Harris, cornerback Charles Demmings and more all-conference players from a senior-laden group.

LAST YEAR'S BRACKET: View the results from the 2025 postseason

21. Alabama State | Last year’s finish: 10-2 (Missed playoffs)

Alabama State is my top-ranked HBCU team after the return of some key players that tested the transfer portal waters. Quarterback Andrew Body was named HBCU Player of the Year last season and is back after a brief exodus. He should lead an explosive offense this year, even with a coordinator change.

Safety Ta'shaun Sims is also back and he should be an experienced veteran in a defense under head coach Eddie Robinson Jr. that is always near the top of the FCS.

The Hornets open as the SWAC favorites.

2025 HBCU Recap: Everything from the 2025 HBCU football season | Celebration Bowl | Final  Rankings 

22. Abilene Christian | Last year’s finish: 9-5 (FCS second round)

Abilene Christian has won back-to-back UAC titles, but lost some key pieces like quarterback Stone Earle, linebackers Rashon Myles Jr. and Will Shaffer and more. The offensive line will be the strength of the Wildcats, a team with some unknowns entering the year.

23. Monmouth | Last year’s finish: 9-3 (Missed playoffs)

Monmouth enters a new era as Jeff Gallo replaces the only head coach in program history, Kevin Callahan. The Hawks were one of the first teams out last year but they did get some good late season reps from quarterback Frankie Weaver, passing for 1,331 yards and 14 touchdowns in six games. Weaver’s return positions Monmouth as the No. 2 team in the CAA entering the year.

24. Southeastern Louisiana | Last year’s finish: 9-4 (FCS first round)

Southeastern Louisiana should compete at the top of the Southland again in 2026 with a strong rushing attack thanks to Deantre Jackson’s return. Yet, questions about the conference’s top scoring defense last year emerge after the losses of likely NFL draft pick Kaleb Proctor and Southland Defensive Player of the Year KK Reno.

25. South Carolina State | Last year’s finish: 10-3 (Celebration Bowl champs)

South Carolina State hasn’t lost a MEAC game under head coach Chennis Berry since he took the job two years ago. Berry hasn’t lost a conference game since 2021, his first season as a head coach. The Bulldogs are the defending Celebration Bowl champions entering 2026, and should be the favorite in the MEAC until someone beats them.

Teams that just missed

• Idaho State — Idaho State could be a dark horse playoff contender from the Big Sky thanks to the return of quarterback Jordan Cooke. However, the Bengals haven’t won more than six games since 2014.
• Mercer — The Bears lost the Jerry Rice and Buck Buchanan Award winners in addition to their head coach. While new head coach Joel Taylor impressed last season at West Georgia, Mercer lost too much for a top 25 ranking.
• Prairie View A&M — The Panthers are the defending SWAC Champions, but have to find a new quarterback this season.
• Southern Utah — Southern Utah is quickly turning into running back U at the FCS level. Targhee Lambson, Joshua Dye and now transfer Floyd Chalk IV could be next. SUU should lean on its running game this year again, and could quickly join the rankings.
• UT Martin — UT Martin is the favorite in the OVC-Big South this season, but finished 6-6 last year. The Skyhawks have to bounce back to earn a ranking.
• West Georgia — New head coach Steve Englehart and quarterback Collin Hurst come in from Presbyterian. The duo did well last season, but we’ll wait and see how a new team plays out.