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Preseason Top 15 Ranking - Hero Sports

SoCal Surfer said:
herosports.com

An Early 2026 FCS Preseason Top 15

Sam Herder breaks down his early FCS Top 15 teams heading into the 2026 season.
herosports.com herosports.com
Click to expand...
SDSU is under-rated by Sam. They should be #2 with YSU not far behind them.

"Some of SDSU’s top players (QB Chase Mason, WR Lofton O’Groske, LB Chase Van Tol, DE Reis Kirschenman) missed significant time. All those players return along with most of SDSU’s offensive and defensive production, plus some expected impact transfers from sub-D1 programs."
 
Right now, this would be my ranking for the top 15 teams.

1. State Puds - For now, they are the guys until someone knocks them off their perch. They are returning a lot of talent, but it's incredibly difficult to repeat as the national champions. Barring injuries, they will make it to the Semi-Finals and probably the NC. They are stable.

2. South Dakota State - The Prairie Bunnies are returning a lot of experienced talent, even though Chase Mason is returning, they still brought in Anthony Rezac (Notre Dame) and Josh Holst from (NIU) to compete for QB1. They transferred in Ramon McKinney Jr. RB, Northeastern State (Okla.) and Eddy Schultz at WR from Portland State. They brought in some guys from DII to fill in the holes on their defensive line. They are stable.

3. Montana - I think, until BK and UM prove themselves, The Prairie Bunnies should be ranked above them. That being said, based on last year's performance, the retention of key offensive talent (the new starters do have playing time from last year) and bringing in some really good transfers that should fill the gaps in the Defense, I think #3 is appropriate. Honestly, the after going through all of the posts from this spring, the only real concern going into the season is the defense. The season will be a complete disappointment if UM doesn't make the semi-finals. UM is stable.

4. UC Davis - They are returning key players and reloading other positions. The only position they really needed to fill was QB. They brought in Jackson Kollock from Minnesota "to compete" with Treynor Cleeland and Axel Eason for QB1. It's pretty clear though from their news reports that Kollack is going to be QB1. I can see UC Davis giving UM and the Puds a run for their money for the Big Sky, and to make the semi's. I am confident they will make the quarterfinals for sure. UC Davis is stable

5. Tarleton State - I want to put them in at #4 but Davis is returning a more stable team. Why do I have Tarleton at #5 even though they lost most of their team? This team didn't just reload, they reloaded very well. They signed a staggering 54 transfers from the portal. Of those 54 transfers, 17 came from the FBS, 10 came from the FCS, 9 came DII schools and 16 came from Junior Co's, and they all have time on the field. The most notable transfer is at QB. They brought in Braedyn Locke who played at both Wisconsin and Arizona quarterback. Where did the 54 transfers get slotted? 14 went to the D line, 13 to the Secondary, 10 went to the LB corps, 7 went to the OL, and 14 are skilled position players QB/WR/RB. Needless to say, I have no doubt that Tarleton will win their conference and will make a deep run in the playoffs. Tarleton seems pretty stable for their conference.

6. University of North Dakota - This is quite a jump from where Mr. Herder has them, but bear with me. Eric Schmidt is entering is second year as HC, so there is stability at the coaching positions, unlike last year. Like #'s 1-4, they are returning most of their offensive starters. The Fighting Hawks are LOADED on defense this year. In addition to their outstanding DE's Vig and Rucker, they added some snot bubblers from Illinois State, Iowa State, Albany , most notably, Kefa Pereira (DT) Kylyn Macklin (DT), and Mason Miller (LB). They brought in five athletes to fills holes in the secondary. Four are from DII/III and Juco schools. There is one kid from Akron. On the offensive side of the ball, they brought in two FBS WR's and two DII WR's, and dipped back into Illinois State's roster to pull Matt Lawson over at RB. They are stable.

7. Stephen F. Austin - Yeah I know, it's not close to Herder's ranking. Here is why I have them at #8. SFA has a massive amount of momentum after their 11-3 season and a trip to the quarterfinals. They are binging in 15 transfer portal players. They brought in Cordale Russell (TCU/CU), Rickey Stewart Jr. (UT-Austin), Joseph Dodds (Baylor), Jayden Fortier (ASU), Travon Sylvester (UTSA) and one of the guys UM was after, Sione Hingano (BYU), they also have two four star high school recruits that will be starting as true freshmen. I expect SFA to not only make the quarterfinals again, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the semi-finals.

8. South Dakota - Some people expect a step back from their recent playoff runs in '23, '24 and '25, but I don't. Matt Vizthum is entering his second year as HC now. That means there will be coaching stability, unlike last year, which yeah was offset by great athletes doing great things oin the field. While it's true that the 'Yotes lost their QB1, RB1, and WR 1&2, on... AND five of their Starting offensive linemen. I think the new OL is going to be fine with the veteran 2's stepping up along with Jake Riggs who is transferring in from UTEP. I think most notably we need to look at all of the additions on the defensive side of the ball. There are a lot: Neeo Avery (Maryland), Bryce Cohoon (Kansas), Kael Kolarik (Iowa), Harrison Brun (Minnesota), Ethan Carrier (Minnesota), Kevin Dodard (Lafayette), Zion Fonua (Abilene Christian), Jake Riggs (UTEP)and a couple of DII/JUCO's. The real pundits think that the QB1 battle is between Nevan Cremascoli and Austyn Modrzewski, but I think QB1 goes to Jackson Proctor (Dartmouth) over the RSS. They didn't bring in Proctor to ride the aluminum alligator. Cahoon is going to give a lot of defenses problems. he is long and athletic. Charles Pierre is also returning, so they should have a healthy run game again. I think South Dakota's season is really riding on their Offensive line situation.

9. Illinois State - Honestly, I don't think that Illinois State deserves to be ranked in the top 10. SIN you're a moron!!! Eh... maybe. It's true they made it to the NC last year, but their roster got hammered. They lost 27 seniors, including Tommy Rittenhouse, Daniel Sobkowicz, Shadwel Nkuba II, CJ Richard, and their entire starting defensive line. Coach Spack went to the portal to fill those losses with Gage Roy (USC) Key Crowell (ECU), Aden Cannon (IU), Ja'Marcus Smith (JMU) they didn't fill a lot of positions with transfers, instead, they are going to be relying on some true Freshmen to step up. Needless to say they are not remotely the team that made the Cinderella run to the NC last year. Illinois State is not stable.

10. Villanova - I ranked them here because of where they finished last year and and the fact they left their old garbage conference for a worse garbage conference. Nobody in the Patriot League will beat them this year. They are stable.

I am not wasting my time on 11-15. The ONLY reason they are ranked above my top eight because of the where they finished last year, which doesn't matter because they are in garbage conferences. Also, I am there are not enough adjectives available to describe the amount of bias and dislike I have for the majority of FCS teams east of the Mississippi river.

11. Lehigh
12. Rhode Island
13. Tennessee Tech
14. Youngstown State
15. Austin Peay
 
SinCityGriz2005 said:
Right now, this would be my ranking for the top 15 teams.

1. State Puds - For now, they are the guys until someone knocks them off their perch. They are returning a lot of talent, but it's incredibly difficult to repeat as the national champions. Barring injuries, they will make it to the Semi-Finals and probably the NC. They are stable.

2. South Dakota State - The Prairie Bunnies are returning a lot of experienced talent, even though Chase Mason is returning, they still brought in Anthony Rezac (Notre Dame) and Josh Holst from (NIU) to compete for QB1. They transferred in Ramon McKinney Jr. RB, Northeastern State (Okla.) and Eddy Schultz at WR from Portland State. They brought in some guys from DII to fill in the holes on their defensive line. They are stable.

3. Montana - I think, until BK and UM prove themselves, The Prairie Bunnies should be ranked above them. That being said, based on last year's performance, the retention of key offensive talent (the new starters do have playing time from last year) and bringing in some really good transfers that should fill the gaps in the Defense, I think #3 is appropriate. Honestly, the after going through all of the posts from this spring, the only real concern going into the season is the defense. The season will be a complete disappointment if UM doesn't make the semi-finals. UM is stable.

4. UC Davis - They are returning key players and reloading other positions. The only position they really needed to fill was QB. They brought in Jackson Kollock from Minnesota "to compete" with Treynor Cleeland and Axel Eason for QB1. It's pretty clear though from their news reports that Kollack is going to be QB1. I can see UC Davis giving UM and the Puds a run for their money for the Big Sky, and to make the semi's. I am confident they will make the quarterfinals for sure. UC Davis is stable

5. Tarleton State - I want to put them in at #4 but Davis is returning a more stable team. Why do I have Tarleton at #5 even though they lost most of their team? This team didn't just reload, they reloaded very well. They signed a staggering 54 transfers from the portal. Of those 54 transfers, 17 came from the FBS, 10 came from the FCS, 9 came DII schools and 16 came from Junior Co's, and they all have time on the field. The most notable transfer is at QB. They brought in Braedyn Locke who played at both Wisconsin and Arizona quarterback. Where did the 54 transfers get slotted? 14 went to the D line, 13 to the Secondary, 10 went to the LB corps, 7 went to the OL, and 14 are skilled position players QB/WR/RB. Needless to say, I have no doubt that Tarleton will win their conference and will make a deep run in the playoffs. Tarleton seems pretty stable for their conference.

6. University of North Dakota - This is quite a jump from where Mr. Herder has them, but bear with me. Eric Schmidt is entering is second year as HC, so there is stability at the coaching positions, unlike last year. Like #'s 1-4, they are returning most of their offensive starters. The Fighting Hawks are LOADED on defense this year. In addition to their outstanding DE's Vig and Rucker, they added some snot bubblers from Illinois State, Iowa State, Albany , most notably, Kefa Pereira (DT) Kylyn Macklin (DT), and Mason Miller (LB). They brought in five athletes to fills holes in the secondary. Four are from DII/III and Juco schools. There is one kid from Akron. On the offensive side of the ball, they brought in two FBS WR's and two DII WR's, and dipped back into Illinois State's roster to pull Matt Lawson over at RB. They are stable.

7. Stephen F. Austin - Yeah I know, it's not close to Herder's ranking. Here is why I have them at #8. SFA has a massive amount of momentum after their 11-3 season and a trip to the quarterfinals. They are binging in 15 transfer portal players. They brought in Cordale Russell (TCU/CU), Rickey Stewart Jr. (UT-Austin), Joseph Dodds (Baylor), Jayden Fortier (ASU), Travon Sylvester (UTSA) and one of the guys UM was after, Sione Hingano (BYU), they also have two four star high school recruits that will be starting as true freshmen. I expect SFA to not only make the quarterfinals again, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the semi-finals.

8. South Dakota - Some people expect a step back from their recent playoff runs in '23, '24 and '25, but I don't. Matt Vizthum is entering his second year as HC now. That means there will be coaching stability, unlike last year, which yeah was offset by great athletes doing great things oin the field. While it's true that the 'Yotes lost their QB1, RB1, and WR 1&2, on... AND five of their Starting offensive linemen. I think the new OL is going to be fine with the veteran 2's stepping up along with Jake Riggs who is transferring in from UTEP. I think most notably we need to look at all of the additions on the defensive side of the ball. There are a lot: Neeo Avery (Maryland), Bryce Cohoon (Kansas), Kael Kolarik (Iowa), Harrison Brun (Minnesota), Ethan Carrier (Minnesota), Kevin Dodard (Lafayette), Zion Fonua (Abilene Christian), Jake Riggs (UTEP)and a couple of DII/JUCO's. The real pundits think that the QB1 battle is between Nevan Cremascoli and Austyn Modrzewski, but I think QB1 goes to Jackson Proctor (Dartmouth) over the RSS. They didn't bring in Proctor to ride the aluminum alligator. Cahoon is going to give a lot of defenses problems. he is long and athletic. Charles Pierre is also returning, so they should have a healthy run game again. I think South Dakota's season is really riding on their Offensive line situation.

9. Illinois State - Honestly, I don't think that Illinois State deserves to be ranked in the top 10. SIN you're a moron!!! Eh... maybe. It's true they made it to the NC last year, but their roster got hammered. They lost 27 seniors, including Tommy Rittenhouse, Daniel Sobkowicz, Shadwel Nkuba II, CJ Richard, and their entire starting defensive line. Coach Spack went to the portal to fill those losses with Gage Roy (USC) Key Crowell (ECU), Aden Cannon (IU), Ja'Marcus Smith (JMU) they didn't fill a lot of positions with transfers, instead, they are going to be relying on some true Freshmen to step up. Needless to say they are not remotely the team that made the Cinderella run to the NC last year. Illinois State is not stable.

10. Villanova - I ranked them here because of where they finished last year and and the fact they left their old garbage conference for a worse garbage conference. Nobody in the Patriot League will beat them this year. They are stable.

I am not wasting my time on 11-15. The ONLY reason they are ranked above my top eight because of the where they finished last year, which doesn't matter because they are in garbage conferences. Also, I am there are not enough adjectives available to describe the amount of bias and dislike I have for the majority of FCS teams east of the Mississippi river.

11. Lehigh
12. Rhode Island
13. Tennessee Tech
14. Youngstown State
15. Austin Peay
Click to expand...
IMHO, Penguins deserve more love and South Dakota is going to be down this season. I would switch them.
 
ResilientGriz said:
IMHO, Penguins deserve more love and South Dakota is going to be down this season. I would switch them.
Click to expand...
You think? I know they have an elite QB in Brungard, and they are returning their offensive line. After looking at their transfers, they look fairly loaded up in the secondary adding Cam Smith and Danny Inglis from Iowa State, and Clyne from Cincinnati, and an All-PFL DB from Butler along with a couple of other DB's from some DII schools. That's about it. Their defense was not overly remarkable last year. The only reason they finished the season, as I see it, was largely due to the all world play by Brungard. I see that they improved their WR situation bringing in quite a few receivers, but I really only see Dorian Williams, and Zane Kinsey being capable of stepping in and contributing right away. I guess you could argue that Lorenzo Jenkins is in the mix too, but he's coming from Bethune-Cookman, where... yeah, it's the SWAC. I might be convinced to move YSU to #11 or #12, but I don't think they are going to finish ahead of SDSU, UND or USD. I can see Youngstown probably finishing ahead of Illinois State. I don't like Illinois State this year. They just got hit too hard. So maybe #9 'nova, #10 YSU.

Oh and... I haven't really looked at any of the SoCon or Big South schools yet. I might have to adjust this next week.

The ONLY reason a team from any conference other than the BSC, MVFC, or UAL would crack the top eight, again simply in my less than somewhat knowledge is due to them being the white tip on the chicken turds of their garbage conferences. Like Yale, Lehigh, Rhode Island, etc.
 
SinCityGriz2005 said:
Right now, this would be my ranking for the top 15 teams.

1. State Puds - For now, they are the guys until someone knocks them off their perch. They are returning a lot of talent, but it's incredibly difficult to repeat as the national champions. Barring injuries, they will make it to the Semi-Finals and probably the NC. They are stable.

2. South Dakota State - The Prairie Bunnies are returning a lot of experienced talent, even though Chase Mason is returning, they still brought in Anthony Rezac (Notre Dame) and Josh Holst from (NIU) to compete for QB1. They transferred in Ramon McKinney Jr. RB, Northeastern State (Okla.) and Eddy Schultz at WR from Portland State. They brought in some guys from DII to fill in the holes on their defensive line. They are stable.

3. Montana - I think, until BK and UM prove themselves, The Prairie Bunnies should be ranked above them. That being said, based on last year's performance, the retention of key offensive talent (the new starters do have playing time from last year) and bringing in some really good transfers that should fill the gaps in the Defense, I think #3 is appropriate. Honestly, the after going through all of the posts from this spring, the only real concern going into the season is the defense. The season will be a complete disappointment if UM doesn't make the semi-finals. UM is stable.

4. UC Davis - They are returning key players and reloading other positions. The only position they really needed to fill was QB. They brought in Jackson Kollock from Minnesota "to compete" with Treynor Cleeland and Axel Eason for QB1. It's pretty clear though from their news reports that Kollack is going to be QB1. I can see UC Davis giving UM and the Puds a run for their money for the Big Sky, and to make the semi's. I am confident they will make the quarterfinals for sure. UC Davis is stable

5. Tarleton State - I want to put them in at #4 but Davis is returning a more stable team. Why do I have Tarleton at #5 even though they lost most of their team? This team didn't just reload, they reloaded very well. They signed a staggering 54 transfers from the portal. Of those 54 transfers, 17 came from the FBS, 10 came from the FCS, 9 came DII schools and 16 came from Junior Co's, and they all have time on the field. The most notable transfer is at QB. They brought in Braedyn Locke who played at both Wisconsin and Arizona quarterback. Where did the 54 transfers get slotted? 14 went to the D line, 13 to the Secondary, 10 went to the LB corps, 7 went to the OL, and 14 are skilled position players QB/WR/RB. Needless to say, I have no doubt that Tarleton will win their conference and will make a deep run in the playoffs. Tarleton seems pretty stable for their conference.

6. University of North Dakota - This is quite a jump from where Mr. Herder has them, but bear with me. Eric Schmidt is entering is second year as HC, so there is stability at the coaching positions, unlike last year. Like #'s 1-4, they are returning most of their offensive starters. The Fighting Hawks are LOADED on defense this year. In addition to their outstanding DE's Vig and Rucker, they added some snot bubblers from Illinois State, Iowa State, Albany , most notably, Kefa Pereira (DT) Kylyn Macklin (DT), and Mason Miller (LB). They brought in five athletes to fills holes in the secondary. Four are from DII/III and Juco schools. There is one kid from Akron. On the offensive side of the ball, they brought in two FBS WR's and two DII WR's, and dipped back into Illinois State's roster to pull Matt Lawson over at RB. They are stable.

7. Stephen F. Austin - Yeah I know, it's not close to Herder's ranking. Here is why I have them at #8. SFA has a massive amount of momentum after their 11-3 season and a trip to the quarterfinals. They are binging in 15 transfer portal players. They brought in Cordale Russell (TCU/CU), Rickey Stewart Jr. (UT-Austin), Joseph Dodds (Baylor), Jayden Fortier (ASU), Travon Sylvester (UTSA) and one of the guys UM was after, Sione Hingano (BYU), they also have two four star high school recruits that will be starting as true freshmen. I expect SFA to not only make the quarterfinals again, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the semi-finals.

8. South Dakota - Some people expect a step back from their recent playoff runs in '23, '24 and '25, but I don't. Matt Vizthum is entering his second year as HC now. That means there will be coaching stability, unlike last year, which yeah was offset by great athletes doing great things oin the field. While it's true that the 'Yotes lost their QB1, RB1, and WR 1&2, on... AND five of their Starting offensive linemen. I think the new OL is going to be fine with the veteran 2's stepping up along with Jake Riggs who is transferring in from UTEP. I think most notably we need to look at all of the additions on the defensive side of the ball. There are a lot: Neeo Avery (Maryland), Bryce Cohoon (Kansas), Kael Kolarik (Iowa), Harrison Brun (Minnesota), Ethan Carrier (Minnesota), Kevin Dodard (Lafayette), Zion Fonua (Abilene Christian), Jake Riggs (UTEP)and a couple of DII/JUCO's. The real pundits think that the QB1 battle is between Nevan Cremascoli and Austyn Modrzewski, but I think QB1 goes to Jackson Proctor (Dartmouth) over the RSS. They didn't bring in Proctor to ride the aluminum alligator. Cahoon is going to give a lot of defenses problems. he is long and athletic. Charles Pierre is also returning, so they should have a healthy run game again. I think South Dakota's season is really riding on their Offensive line situation.

9. Illinois State - Honestly, I don't think that Illinois State deserves to be ranked in the top 10. SIN you're a moron!!! Eh... maybe. It's true they made it to the NC last year, but their roster got hammered. They lost 27 seniors, including Tommy Rittenhouse, Daniel Sobkowicz, Shadwel Nkuba II, CJ Richard, and their entire starting defensive line. Coach Spack went to the portal to fill those losses with Gage Roy (USC) Key Crowell (ECU), Aden Cannon (IU), Ja'Marcus Smith (JMU) they didn't fill a lot of positions with transfers, instead, they are going to be relying on some true Freshmen to step up. Needless to say they are not remotely the team that made the Cinderella run to the NC last year. Illinois State is not stable.

10. Villanova - I ranked them here because of where they finished last year and and the fact they left their old garbage conference for a worse garbage conference. Nobody in the Patriot League will beat them this year. They are stable.

I am not wasting my time on 11-15. The ONLY reason they are ranked above my top eight because of the where they finished last year, which doesn't matter because they are in garbage conferences. Also, I am there are not enough adjectives available to describe the amount of bias and dislike I have for the majority of FCS teams east of the Mississippi river.

11. Lehigh
12. Rhode Island
13. Tennessee Tech
14. Youngstown State
15. Austin Peay
Click to expand...
SinCityGriz2005 said:
Right now, this would be my ranking for the top 15 teams.

1. State Puds - For now, they are the guys until someone knocks them off their perch. They are returning a lot of talent, but it's incredibly difficult to repeat as the national champions. Barring injuries, they will make it to the Semi-Finals and probably the NC. They are stable.

2. South Dakota State - The Prairie Bunnies are returning a lot of experienced talent, even though Chase Mason is returning, they still brought in Anthony Rezac (Notre Dame) and Josh Holst from (NIU) to compete for QB1. They transferred in Ramon McKinney Jr. RB, Northeastern State (Okla.) and Eddy Schultz at WR from Portland State. They brought in some guys from DII to fill in the holes on their defensive line. They are stable.

3. Montana - I think, until BK and UM prove themselves, The Prairie Bunnies should be ranked above them. That being said, based on last year's performance, the retention of key offensive talent (the new starters do have playing time from last year) and bringing in some really good transfers that should fill the gaps in the Defense, I think #3 is appropriate. Honestly, the after going through all of the posts from this spring, the only real concern going into the season is the defense. The season will be a complete disappointment if UM doesn't make the semi-finals. UM is stable.

4. UC Davis - They are returning key players and reloading other positions. The only position they really needed to fill was QB. They brought in Jackson Kollock from Minnesota "to compete" with Treynor Cleeland and Axel Eason for QB1. It's pretty clear though from their news reports that Kollack is going to be QB1. I can see UC Davis giving UM and the Puds a run for their money for the Big Sky, and to make the semi's. I am confident they will make the quarterfinals for sure. UC Davis is stable

5. Tarleton State - I want to put them in at #4 but Davis is returning a more stable team. Why do I have Tarleton at #5 even though they lost most of their team? This team didn't just reload, they reloaded very well. They signed a staggering 54 transfers from the portal. Of those 54 transfers, 17 came from the FBS, 10 came from the FCS, 9 came DII schools and 16 came from Junior Co's, and they all have time on the field. The most notable transfer is at QB. They brought in Braedyn Locke who played at both Wisconsin and Arizona quarterback. Where did the 54 transfers get slotted? 14 went to the D line, 13 to the Secondary, 10 went to the LB corps, 7 went to the OL, and 14 are skilled position players QB/WR/RB. Needless to say, I have no doubt that Tarleton will win their conference and will make a deep run in the playoffs. Tarleton seems pretty stable for their conference.

6. University of North Dakota - This is quite a jump from where Mr. Herder has them, but bear with me. Eric Schmidt is entering is second year as HC, so there is stability at the coaching positions, unlike last year. Like #'s 1-4, they are returning most of their offensive starters. The Fighting Hawks are LOADED on defense this year. In addition to their outstanding DE's Vig and Rucker, they added some snot bubblers from Illinois State, Iowa State, Albany , most notably, Kefa Pereira (DT) Kylyn Macklin (DT), and Mason Miller (LB). They brought in five athletes to fills holes in the secondary. Four are from DII/III and Juco schools. There is one kid from Akron. On the offensive side of the ball, they brought in two FBS WR's and two DII WR's, and dipped back into Illinois State's roster to pull Matt Lawson over at RB. They are stable.

7. Stephen F. Austin - Yeah I know, it's not close to Herder's ranking. Here is why I have them at #8. SFA has a massive amount of momentum after their 11-3 season and a trip to the quarterfinals. They are binging in 15 transfer portal players. They brought in Cordale Russell (TCU/CU), Rickey Stewart Jr. (UT-Austin), Joseph Dodds (Baylor), Jayden Fortier (ASU), Travon Sylvester (UTSA) and one of the guys UM was after, Sione Hingano (BYU), they also have two four star high school recruits that will be starting as true freshmen. I expect SFA to not only make the quarterfinals again, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them in the semi-finals.

8. South Dakota - Some people expect a step back from their recent playoff runs in '23, '24 and '25, but I don't. Matt Vizthum is entering his second year as HC now. That means there will be coaching stability, unlike last year, which yeah was offset by great athletes doing great things oin the field. While it's true that the 'Yotes lost their QB1, RB1, and WR 1&2, on... AND five of their Starting offensive linemen. I think the new OL is going to be fine with the veteran 2's stepping up along with Jake Riggs who is transferring in from UTEP. I think most notably we need to look at all of the additions on the defensive side of the ball. There are a lot: Neeo Avery (Maryland), Bryce Cohoon (Kansas), Kael Kolarik (Iowa), Harrison Brun (Minnesota), Ethan Carrier (Minnesota), Kevin Dodard (Lafayette), Zion Fonua (Abilene Christian), Jake Riggs (UTEP)and a couple of DII/JUCO's. The real pundits think that the QB1 battle is between Nevan Cremascoli and Austyn Modrzewski, but I think QB1 goes to Jackson Proctor (Dartmouth) over the RSS. They didn't bring in Proctor to ride the aluminum alligator. Cahoon is going to give a lot of defenses problems. he is long and athletic. Charles Pierre is also returning, so they should have a healthy run game again. I think South Dakota's season is really riding on their Offensive line situation.

9. Illinois State - Honestly, I don't think that Illinois State deserves to be ranked in the top 10. SIN you're a moron!!! Eh... maybe. It's true they made it to the NC last year, but their roster got hammered. They lost 27 seniors, including Tommy Rittenhouse, Daniel Sobkowicz, Shadwel Nkuba II, CJ Richard, and their entire starting defensive line. Coach Spack went to the portal to fill those losses with Gage Roy (USC) Key Crowell (ECU), Aden Cannon (IU), Ja'Marcus Smith (JMU) they didn't fill a lot of positions with transfers, instead, they are going to be relying on some true Freshmen to step up. Needless to say they are not remotely the team that made the Cinderella run to the NC last year. Illinois State is not stable.

10. Villanova - I ranked them here because of where they finished last year and and the fact they left their old garbage conference for a worse garbage conference. Nobody in the Patriot League will beat them this year. They are stable.

I am not wasting my time on 11-15. The ONLY reason they are ranked above my top eight because of the where they finished last year, which doesn't matter because they are in garbage conferences. Also, I am there are not enough adjectives available to describe the amount of bias and dislike I have for the majority of FCS teams east of the Mississippi river.

11. Lehigh
12. Rhode Island
13. Tennessee Tech
14. Youngstown State
15. Austin Peay
Click to expand...
Thanks for this! Well done.
 
going to be scats 1 and Griz 2 right up until the brawl...probably going to be the most competitive season in my memory. will be so sweet beating the scats in their barn yard to clinch the 1 seed.....it is going to happen.
 
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