Breaking down the preseason Stats Perform FCS top 25 poll, projecting top football teams on the FCS level

For the second straight year, I have been selected to be a top 25 poll voter for Stats Perform FCS by Craig Haley, who is the Senior Editor for the site. It is designed to bring notoriety to the FCS level, a subsection of college football that doesn’t get nearly enough attention.

After each week of action, the top 25 poll will be updated. For now, we are left to guess what the FCS landscape could look like. It’s a divisive field that could bring a lot of mixed results. There could be a higher level of parity than we have seen in recent years.

Here are my full ranking for the preseason Stats Perform FCS top 25 poll:

1. South Dakota State (15-0)
2. North Dakota State (11-4)
3. Montana (13-2)
4. Montana State (8-4)
5. South Dakota (10-3)
6. Villanova (10-3)
7. Idaho (9-4)
8. Sacramento State (8-5)
9. William & Mary (6-5)
10. Central Arkansas (7-4)
11. Chattanooga (8-5)
12. Southern Illinois (8-5)
13. Illinois State (6-5)
14. Incarnate Word (8-2)
15. Weber State (6-5)
16. Lafayette (9-3)
17. Furman (10-3)
18. Richmond (9-4)
19. Elon (6-5)
20. Tarleton State (8-3)
21. Albany (11-4)
22. Western Carolina (7-4)
23. UT Martin (8-3)
24. Nicholls (6-5)
25. Youngstown State (8-5)

Some early team thoughts

• There is going to be a great debate between South Dakota State and North Dakota State as the top team on the poll to start the year. Both sides have validity to their argument, each having a very unique argument. For South Dakota State, they are coming off of an undefeated season and national championship. They also return quarterback Mark Gronowski, who has been responsible for 97 total touchdowns over the last three years. That’s important to note.
• The problem with the Jackrabbits is so much turnover on both sides of the football, a lot heading to the NFL. North Dakota State brings a lot more production back. That includes quarterback Cam Miller, offensive lineman Grey Zabel, defensive tackle Eli Mostaert, and All-American safety Cole Wisniewski among others. That should set up for a big year for the Bison.
• Although they start the year at No. 10, I’m buying into Central Arkansas taking a massive step this season. The reason for that is a lot of talent coming back. The Bears received big news when quarterback Will McElvain opted to return for one final year in 2024. He’s coming off of the 2023 season where he threw for 2,477 yards and 24 touchdowns, only throwing five interceptions. They also return talented running backs ShunDerrick Powell and Darius Hale. On defense, the Bears also return star defensive end David Walker and safety TaMuarion Wilson. Walker has recorded 40 tackles for loss and 20.5 sacks the last two seasons.
• The team that is most likely heading toward regression is Albany. Unfortunately with how the transfer portal is these days, they were hit hard this offseason. That includes losing Reese Poffenbarger, who transferred to Miami. He threw for 3,603 yards and 36 touchdowns last season. The Great Danes also lost defensive end Anton Juncaj, who recorded 55 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, and five forced fumbles last season. Juncaj transferred to Arkansas.