2024 FCS Preseason Top 25

Aug 20, 2024

South Dakota State

South Dakota State is poised to continue its reign atop the FCS, entering the 2024 season as the defending back-to-back national champions. The Jackrabbits boast an impressive 15-0 record from last year, showcasing their dominance in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. A key factor in their success is quarterback Mark Gronowski, the Walter Payton Award winner, who chose to stay with the team despite interest from FBS programs. Gronowski's leadership and skill set are complemented by a strong offensive line and a deep receiving corps. On the defensive side, the Jackrabbits are equally formidable, with a unit that consistently ranks among the best in the nation. Their ability to control the line of scrimmage and execute a balanced attack makes them the team to beat as they aim for a historic three-peat.

North Dakota State

North Dakota State, a perennial powerhouse in the FCS, remains a top contender with a rich tradition of success. The Bison are known for their physical style of play, particularly their robust running game. Despite a coaching change, they have retained a talented roster, including quarterback Cam Miller, which keeps them in the national title conversation. The Bison's defense, which had an off-year in 2023, is expected to rebound under new leadership. With a strong recruiting class and experienced players returning, North Dakota State is poised to challenge for another national title. Their ability to reload talent and maintain a winning culture is unmatched in the FCS, making them a formidable opponent for any team.

Montana

Montana has consistently been a strong team in the FCS, with a reputation for a stout defense and passionate fan support. The Grizzlies are coming off a successful 13-2 season, finishing as the FCS runner-up. They are expected to continue their competitive play, with key players like Junior Bergen, a dynamic playmaker, leading the charge. Montana's balanced attack and strong defensive unit make them a formidable team in the FCS landscape. The Grizzlies' success will largely depend on their quarterback play and the continued development of their offensive line. With a favorable schedule and momentum from last season, Montana is well-positioned to challenge for the Big Sky title and make a deep playoff run.

Montana State

Montana State is known for its powerful rushing attack and strong defensive play. The Bobcats have been consistent playoff contenders and are expected to challenge for the Big Sky title once again. Their ability to control the game on both sides of the ball makes them a tough matchup. Quarterback Tommy Mellott, when healthy, is a key player who can lead the Bobcats to success. Montana State's offense, which ranked second in FCS football in rushing yards per game over the past three seasons, is expected to continue its dominance in 2024. The Bobcats' defense, anchored by a strong front seven, will be crucial to their success.

South Dakota

South Dakota has emerged as a strong team in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, with a high-powered offense led by returning starters. The Coyotes finished the 2023 season with a 10-3 record and a quarterfinal appearance. Their offensive trio of quarterback Aidan Bouman, running back Travis Theis, and wide receiver Carter Bell is one of the best in the FCS. The Coyotes' defensive improvements have positioned them as a top contender in the conference. Their ability to compete with top teams and perform in big games will be crucial to their success in 2024.

Villanova

Villanova, co-champions of the CAA last season, returns with a balanced team that excels on both offense and defense. Quarterback Connor Watkins is a key player to watch, leading an offense that was among the best in the FCS. The Wildcats' defense, anchored by All-American cornerback Isas Waxter, remains a strong point. Villanova's experienced offensive line and talented linebacker corps provide a solid foundation for success. With continuity in key positions and a proven ability to compete at the highest level, Villanova is poised for another strong season in the CAA and potentially a deep playoff run.

Idaho

Idaho has been on an upward trajectory, highlighted by a strong playoff run last season. The Vandals have a balanced attack and a solid defensive unit that make them a team to watch in the Big Sky Conference. Their continued development and strong recruiting class bolster their prospects. Idaho's ability to compete with top teams and perform in high-pressure situations will be key to their success. With a favorable schedule and a strong coaching staff, Idaho is well-positioned for a breakout season.

Sacramento State

Sacramento State has been a dominant force in the Big Sky, known for their offensive prowess. Despite some key player losses, they remain competitive under new head coach Andy Thompson. Their program culture and ability to score points keep them in the top tier. Sacramento State's balanced attack and strong defensive play make them a formidable opponent in the FCS. The Hornets' success will depend on their ability to reload talent and maintain their high level of play.

Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois is a formidable team in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, with a balanced roster capable of competing with top teams. The Salukis finished the 2023 season with an 8-5 record and have a strong recruiting class and key returning players that position them well for a successful season. Southern Illinois's balanced attack and strong defensive play make them a formidable opponent in the FCS. The Salukis' success will depend on their ability to perform in big games and the continued development of their young players.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a strong contender in the SoCon, with a potent offense and a formidable defense. The Mocs are looking to capitalize on their returning talent and challenge for the conference title. Quarterback Chase Artopoeus leads a dynamic offense, while the defense, anchored by Kam Jones, is ready to shut down opponents. Chattanooga's balanced attack and strong defensive play make them a team to watch. They're ready to make their mark and show they can compete with the best.

Central Arkansas

Central Arkansas has a strong returning core and a solid recruiting class, making them a team to watch in the FCS. The Bears finished the 2023 season with a 7-4 record and have a balanced attack and strong defensive play that make them a formidable opponent. Central Arkansas's success will depend on their ability to perform in big games and the continued development of their young players. With a solid recruiting class and key returning players, Central Arkansas is poised for a successful season.

UIW (Incarnate Word)

UIW is known for their explosive offense, consistently ranking among the top in scoring. Despite some key losses, they remain a threat under coach G.J. Kinne. The Cardinals' recent playoff success and ability to reload talent keep them in the top tier. UIW's aggressive style and big-play ability make them a dangerous opponent for any team in the FCS. The Cardinals' success will depend on their ability to maintain their high level of play and continue to develop their young players.

Richmond

Richmond, co-champions of the CAA, returns with a balanced team that excels in both offensive and defensive play. The Spiders finished the 2023 season with a 9-4 record and have key returning players and a strong recruiting class that position them well for another successful season. Richmond's balanced attack and strong defensive play make them a formidable opponent in the FCS. The Spiders' success will depend on their ability to perform in big games and the continued development of their young players.

Furman

Furman is a consistent performer in the SoCon, known for their balanced attack and strong defensive play. The Paladins finished the 2023 season with a 10-3 record and are poised for a breakout year, with key returning players leading the charge. Furman's success will depend on their ability to perform in big games and the continued development of their young players. With a solid recruiting class and key returning players, Furman is poised for a successful season.

UAlbany

UAlbany, coming off a championship season in the CAA, has a strong returning core despite some losses. The Great Danes finished the 2023 season with an 11-4 record and have a balanced attack and strong defensive play that make them a formidable opponent in the conference. UAlbany's success will depend on their ability to perform in big games and the continued development of their young players. With a solid recruiting class and key returning players, UAlbany is well-positioned for a successful season.

Western Carolina

Western Carolina has a balanced team with a strong defense and a potent offense. The Catamounts finished the 2023 season with a 7-4 record and are looking to build on their successful season and compete with top teams in the SoCon. Western Carolina's success will depend on their ability to perform in big games and the continued development of their young players. With a solid recruiting class and key returning players, Western Carolina is poised for a successful season.

William & Mary

William & Mary has a strong returning core and a solid recruiting class, making them a team to watch in the CAA. The Tribe finished the 2023 season with a 6-5 record and have a balanced attack and strong defensive play that make them a formidable opponent. William & Mary's success will depend on their ability to perform in big games and the continued development of their young players. With a solid recruiting class and key returning players, William & Mary is poised for a successful season.

Tarleton State

Tarleton State is playoff-eligible for the first time this year, with a strong returning core and a balanced attack. The Texans finished the 2023 season with an 8-3 record and are poised for success in the WAC. Tarleton State's success will depend on their ability to perform in big games and the continued development of their young players. With a solid recruiting class and key returning players, Tarleton State is poised for a successful season.

Delaware

Delaware, despite transitioning to FBS, has a strong returning core and a solid recruiting class. The Blue Hens finished the 2023 season with a 7-4 record and remain competitive in the FCS, with a balanced attack and strong defensive play. Delaware's success will depend on their ability to perform in big games and the continued development of their young players. With a solid recruiting class and key returning players, Delaware is poised for a successful season.

Lafayette

Lafayette has a balanced team with a strong defense and a potent offense. The Leopards finished the 2023 season with a 9-3 record and are looking to build on their successful season and compete with top teams in the Patriot League. Lafayette's success will depend on their ability to perform in big games and the continued development of their young players. With a solid recruiting class and key returning players, Lafayette is poised for a successful season.

UC Davis

UC Davis has a strong returning core and a solid recruiting class, making them a team to watch in the Big Sky Conference. The Aggies finished the 2023 season with a 7-4 record and have a balanced attack and strong defensive play that make them a formidable opponent. UC Davis's success will depend on their ability to perform in big games and the continued development of their young players. With a solid recruiting class and key returning players, UC Davis is poised for a successful season.

Weber State

Weber State has a balanced team with a strong defense and a potent offense. The Wildcats finished the 2023 season with a 6-5 record and are looking to build on their successful season and compete with top teams in the Big Sky Conference. Weber State's success will depend on their ability to perform in big games and the continued development of their young players. With a solid recruiting class and key returning players, Weber State is poised for a successful season.

Youngstown State

Youngstown State has a balanced team with a strong defense and a potent offense. The Penguins finished the 2023 season with an 8-5 record and are looking to build on their successful season and compete with top teams in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Youngstown State's success will depend on their ability to perform in big games and the continued development of their young players. With a solid recruiting class and key returning players, Youngstown State is poised for a successful season.

Illinois State

Illinois State has a balanced team with a strong defense and a potent offense. The Redbirds finished the 2023 season with a 6-5 record and are looking to build on their successful season and compete with top teams in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Illinois State's success will depend on their ability to perform in big games and the continued development of their young players. With a solid recruiting class and key returning players, Illinois State is poised for a successful season.

Eastern Illinois

Eastern Illinois has a strong returning core and a solid recruiting class, making them a team to watch in the Ohio Valley Conference. The Panthers finished the 2023 season with an 8-3 record and have a balanced attack and strong defensive play that make them a formidable opponent. Eastern Illinois's success will depend on their ability to perform in big games and the continued development of their young players. With a solid recruiting class and key returning players, Eastern Illinois is poised for a successful season.