Alright I’ll give it a stab
1. SDSU. Top to bottom this is the best team in the FCS right now. I predicted the Jacks to win the title going into the season and so far so good. They’ve got the chance to be even better in the fall and they get NDSU in Brookings so a favorable draw.
2. JMU. A known commodity that will be strong in the fall. One of their top RB’s entered the portal earlier this week, but they got enough depth that they’ll be fine.
3. Montana. I truly do believe this could be the year. The talent is there and we saw that in the 2 spring games. Favorable schedule with the better teams at home. Buckle up, it’s gonna be a fun season.
4. NDSU. Their fate rests in the hands of their VA Tech QB. If he doesn’t pan out, NDSU is in for a whirlwind of a season. He appears to be as advertised though, so I’ll give the bison the benefit of the doubt.
5. Delaware. I was very impressed by the Blue Hens and their young QB until they ran into a better team (the Jacks). I feel like they’re right there with JMU to contend for the CAA.
6. SHSU. I think they’ve overachieved this spring season and could easily take a step back this season but the talents there to prove me wrong.
7. SIU. Salukis don’t get enough love. They’ve got serious talent and great coaches and deserve more credit than they’re given. IMO will be top 3 in the Valley.
8. Jacksonville State. Known for dominating the OVC and then flopping in the playoffs every year. I expect the same to be true this year. Could get to the quarters with a favorable draw but we’ll see.
9. Montana State. Thought about ranking them higher but with a new coach and an absolutely brutal road schedule (Wyo, Weber, EWU, PSU, Griz) there will be growing pains. Tons of talent and the cats and Griz will EASILY be the top 2 teams in the Big Sky.
10. North Dakota. Another team that overachieved that I expect to come back down to earth in the fall. Second round exit sounds about right.
Weber and Eastern will both be in the playoffs but they are both WAY overrated. Other then maybe the cats, I don’t think Weber or Eastern could beat any of the teams I listed above.