2024 FCS Week 3 Top 25

1. South Dakota State (1-1)

The Jackrabbits rebounded from their opening week loss to FBS Oklahoma State with a statement 45-24 victory over #12 UIW. This win showcased why SDSU remains the team to beat in the FCS. Quarterback Mark Gronowski was in top form, throwing for 323 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Isaiah Davis added 123 yards and two scores on the ground.

Defensively, SDSU showed improvement from Week 1, forcing three turnovers and holding UIW's high-powered offense in check for much of the game. The Jackrabbits' ability to bounce back from a tough loss and dominate a ranked opponent proves their championship mettle. Their balanced attack and defensive prowess make them a formidable force as they enter conference play.

2. North Dakota State (1-1)

The Bison responded to their narrow loss against FBS Colorado with a dominant 52-3 victory over Tennessee State. This performance reminded everyone why NDSU has been a perennial powerhouse in the FCS. Quarterback Cam Miller was efficient, throwing for 194 yards and two touchdowns, while the ground game, led by TaMerik Williams, racked up over 300 yards.

NDSU's defense was suffocating, holding Tennessee State to just 174 total yards and forcing three turnovers. This complete performance on both sides of the ball demonstrates that the Bison are still very much in the national title conversation. Their ability to rebound so emphatically from a tough loss speaks volumes about their resilience and championship pedigree.

3. Montana State (3-0)

The Bobcats have stormed out of the gates, following up their FBS upset over New Mexico with convincing wins against Maine and Stetson. Quarterback Tommy Mellott has been electric, accounting for 10 total touchdowns in three games. The balanced offensive attack, which has averaged over 40 points per game, makes MSU a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Defensively, Montana State has been equally impressive, allowing just 13 points per game. The Bobcats' ability to dominate on both sides of the ball, coupled with their FBS win, solidifies their position as a top contender for the national title. Their depth and versatility will make them a tough out as they enter Big Sky play.

4. Idaho (1-1)

The Vandals have made a strong case for being one of the top teams in the FCS with their performances in the first two weeks. After a competitive 24-14 loss to FBS powerhouse Oregon, Idaho stunned FBS Wyoming with a 17-13 victory. Quarterback Gevani McCoy has shown poise and playmaking ability against top-tier competition, throwing for 378 yards and two touchdowns across both games.

Idaho's defense has been the real story, holding two FBS opponents to an average of 18.5 points per game. Their ability to create turnovers and make crucial stops in big moments has been impressive. The Vandals' performance against FBS competition suggests they could be nearly unstoppable against FCS opponents, making them a serious contender for the Big Sky title and beyond.

5. Villanova (2-0)

The Wildcats have lived up to their preseason hype with solid wins over Youngstown State and Colgate. Quarterback Connor Watkins has been a standout, throwing for 513 yards and five touchdowns in two games. The emergence of wide receiver Jaylan Sanchez, who has 207 receiving yards and two scores, gives Villanova a dynamic passing attack.

Defensively, Villanova has been opportunistic, forcing five turnovers in their first two games. While they've allowed some yards, their ability to create big plays on defense has been crucial to their success. The Wildcats' balanced performance on both sides of the ball suggests they're ready to compete for the CAA title and make a deep playoff run.

6. South Dakota (1-1)

The Coyotes followed up their dominant Week 1 win over Northern State with a respectable showing against FBS Wisconsin, falling 35-14. While the loss was disappointing, South Dakota's ability to compete with a Big Ten opponent for stretches of the game is encouraging. Quarterback Aidan Bouman has shown flashes of brilliance, throwing for 376 yards and three touchdowns across both games.

Defensively, South Dakota has been solid, particularly in their opener where they held Northern State to just three points. The challenge now will be carrying the positives from their FBS matchup into conference play. The Coyotes' potential on both sides of the ball keeps them in the top 10, and they could be a dark horse in the Missouri Valley Football Conference race.

7. Southern Illinois (1-1)

The Salukis bounced back from their opening week loss to FBS BYU with a convincing 49-23 win over Austin Peay. Quarterback Nic Baker has been impressive, throwing for 563 yards and five touchdowns in two games. The emergence of running back Romeir Elliott, who rushed for 117 yards and two scores against Austin Peay, gives SIU a balanced offensive attack.

Defensively, Southern Illinois showed significant improvement in Week 2, forcing three turnovers and holding Austin Peay to just 23 points. Their ability to rebound from a tough FBS loss and dominate a solid FCS opponent demonstrates the Salukis' resilience. If they can maintain this level of play, SIU could be a force in the competitive Missouri Valley Football Conference.

8. Sacramento State (0-2)

Despite their 0-2 record, Sacramento State remains in the top 10 due to their competitive performances against two tough FBS opponents. The Hornets fell to San Jose State 42-24 in Week 1 and then lost a close battle to Fresno State 34-31 in Week 2. Quarterback Kaiden Bennett has been a bright spot, accounting for 546 total yards and five touchdowns across both games.

The Hornets' defense, while allowing some points, has shown the ability to create turnovers, forcing four in two games against FBS competition. Their ability to compete closely with FBS opponents suggests Sacramento State could be dominant once they face FCS competition. As the defending Big Sky champions, the Hornets have the potential to quickly turn their record around once conference play begins.

9. Holy Cross (2-0)

The Crusaders have started the season strong with wins over Merrimack and Yale. Quarterback Matthew Sluka has been exceptional, throwing for 435 yards and five touchdowns while adding 186 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. This dual-threat ability makes Holy Cross's offense difficult to defend.

Defensively, Holy Cross has been solid, allowing an average of just 17 points per game. Their ability to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball has been crucial to their success. As the defending Patriot League champions, the Crusaders look poised to make another run at the conference title and potentially make noise in the playoffs.

10. North Carolina Central (2-0)

The Eagles have impressed in their first two games, defeating Winston-Salem State and Virginia State by a combined score of 84-28. Quarterback Davius Richard has been a standout, accounting for 578 total yards and eight touchdowns. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs makes NCCU's offense dynamic and unpredictable.

North Carolina Central's defense has been equally impressive, forcing seven turnovers in two games and consistently putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Their dominance on both sides of the ball, albeit against lower-division competition, suggests the Eagles could be a force in the MEAC. Their upcoming games against tougher opponents will be a true test of their potential.

11. Furman (1-1)

The Paladins bounced back from their opening week loss to FBS Ole Miss with a convincing 31-14 victory over Wofford. Quarterback Tyler Huff showed resilience, throwing for 250 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Furman's defense also stepped up, forcing three turnovers and holding Wofford to just 245 total yards.

Despite the rough start against Ole Miss, Furman's performance against Wofford demonstrates why they're still considered a contender in the SoCon. Their balanced offensive attack and opportunistic defense could make them a tough out as conference play approaches.

12. Delaware (1-1)

The Blue Hens split their first two games, falling to FBS Penn State before rebounding with a dominant 42-21 win over Delaware State. Quarterback Zach Gwynn has been efficient, throwing for 400 yards and four touchdowns across both games. The emergence of running back Marcus Yarns, who rushed for 120 yards and two scores against Delaware State, gives Delaware a potent ground game.

Defensively, Delaware has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their win over Delaware State where they forced four turnovers. Their ability to compete with Penn State for stretches and then dominate an in-state rival shows the Blue Hens' potential as they enter their final FCS season before transitioning to FBS.

13. North Dakota (1-1)

The Fighting Hawks rebounded from their opening loss to FBS Iowa State with a stunning 37-27 upset over previously ranked Montana. Quarterback Tommy Schuster was impressive, throwing for 275 yards and three touchdowns in the win. The emergence of wide receiver Bo Belquist, who had 8 catches for 148 yards and two scores, gives North Dakota a dynamic passing attack.

Defensively, North Dakota showed significant improvement in Week 2, forcing three turnovers and holding Montana's potent offense in check for much of the game. This upset win, combined with their competitive showing against Iowa State, suggests the Fighting Hawks could be a dark horse in the Missouri Valley Football Conference race.

14. Montana (1-1)

The Grizzlies stumbled in Week 2, falling to North Dakota 37-27 after opening their season with a win over Missouri State. Despite the loss, quarterback Lucas Johnson has shown promise, throwing for 500 yards and four touchdowns in two games. Running back Nick Ostmo has been a bright spot, rushing for over 100 yards in both contests.

Montana's defense, usually a strength, struggled against North Dakota, allowing 537 total yards. However, their track record and the talent on their roster suggest this might be just a bump in the road. The Grizzlies will need to regroup quickly as they enter the tough Big Sky conference schedule.

15. William & Mary (1-1)

The Tribe followed up their dominant Week 1 win over VMI with a competitive 51-21 loss to FBS Coastal Carolina. Quarterback Darius Wilson has been a dual-threat weapon, accounting for over 400 total yards and four touchdowns in two games. The emergence of wide receiver JT Mayo, who had 5 catches for 87 yards and a score against Coastal Carolina, gives William & Mary a big-play threat.

Defensively, the Tribe struggled against Coastal Carolina's high-powered offense but did force two turnovers. Their ability to compete with an FBS opponent for stretches, combined with their dominant FCS win, keeps them firmly in the Top 25. As they enter CAA play, William & Mary's balanced attack could make them a contender for the conference title.

16. UT Martin (1-1)

The Skyhawks bounced back from their opening week loss to FBS Georgia with a convincing 35-10 win over Missouri State. Quarterback Kinkead Dent showed improvement, throwing for 225 yards and three touchdowns in the victory. Running back Sam Franklin has been a consistent force, rushing for over 100 yards in both games.

UT Martin's defense was particularly impressive against Missouri State, forcing four turnovers and holding them to just 241 total yards. This dominant performance against a solid FCS opponent, coupled with their competitive first half against Georgia, suggests the Skyhawks could be a force in the Ohio Valley Conference.

17. Chattanooga (1-1)

The Mocs rebounded from their opening week loss to FBS Tennessee with a narrow 31-28 loss to FBS Georgia State. Despite the defeat, Chattanooga's ability to compete closely with two FBS opponents is impressive. Quarterback Preston Hutchinson has shown promise, throwing for 400 yards and four touchdowns across both games.

Defensively, Chattanooga has struggled at times but has shown the ability to create turnovers, forcing three in their first two games. Their competitive showing against FBS competition suggests they could be a handful for FCS opponents as they enter SoCon play.

18. Southeast Missouri State (1-1)

The Redhawks split their first two games, falling to FBS Iowa State before bouncing back with a dominant 42-10 win over Lindenwood. Quarterback Paxton DeLaurent has been efficient, throwing for 450 yards and five touchdowns in two games. The ground game, led by Geno Hess, has been particularly impressive, averaging over 150 yards per game.

SEMO's defense showed significant improvement in Week 2, forcing three turnovers and holding Lindenwood to just 237 total yards. Their ability to rebound from a tough FBS loss with a dominant FCS win keeps them in the Top 25. The Redhawks' balanced attack could make them a contender in the Ohio Valley Conference.

19. Youngstown State (1-1)

The Penguins rebounded from their opening week loss to Villanova with a convincing 49-16 win over Valparaiso. Quarterback Mitch Davidson has been impressive, throwing for 500 yards and five touchdowns in two games. The emergence of running back Jaleel McLaughlin, who rushed for 203 yards and three scores against Valparaiso, gives YSU a dynamic ground game.

Defensively, Youngstown State showed improvement in Week 2, forcing three turnovers and holding Valparaiso to just 275 total yards. Their ability to bounce back from a loss to a top-5 team with a dominant win keeps them in the rankings. The Penguins' offensive firepower could make them a dark horse in the tough Missouri Valley Football Conference.

20. Richmond (1-1)

The Spiders split their first two games, falling to FBS Virginia before rebounding with a 31-21 win over Saint Francis. Quarterback Reece Udinski has been a bright spot, throwing for 550 yards and five touchdowns across both games. The emergence of wide receiver Jakob Herres, who has 15 catches for 200 yards and two scores, gives Richmond a reliable target in the passing game.

Richmond's defense has been opportunistic, forcing five turnovers in their first two games. Their ability to compete with an FBS opponent and then secure a solid FCS win keeps them in the Top 25. As they enter CAA play, the Spiders' passing attack could make them a dangerous opponent.

21. Mercer (1-1)

The Bears bounced back from their opening week loss to FBS Auburn with a dominant 52-7 win over Morehead State. Quarterback Fred Payton has been efficient, throwing for 400 yards and five touchdowns in two games. The ground game, led by Al Wooten II, has been particularly impressive, averaging over 200 yards per game.

Mercer's defense showed significant improvement in Week 2, forcing four turnovers and holding Morehead State to just 191 total yards. Their ability to rebound from a tough FBS loss with a dominant FCS win keeps them in the rankings. The Bears' balanced attack could make them a contender in the SoCon.

22. Elon (1-1)

The Phoenix recovered from their opening week loss to FBS Vanderbilt with a solid 26-0 win over Wofford. Quarterback Matthew McKay has shown promise, throwing for 400 yards and three touchdowns in two games. The emergence of running back Jalen Hampton, who rushed for 135 yards and two scores against Wofford, gives Elon a balanced offensive attack.

Defensively, Elon was dominant in Week 2, pitching a shutout and holding Wofford to just 128 total yards. Their ability to bounce back from an FBS loss with a convincing FCS win keeps them in the Top 25. The Phoenix's defensive prowess could make them a tough out in CAA play.

23. UIW (1-1)

The Cardinals split their first two games, dominating Southern Illinois before falling to top-ranked South Dakota State. Quarterback Lindsey Scott Jr. has been impressive, accounting for over 600 total yards and seven touchdowns in two games. The emergence of wide receiver Taylor Grimes, who has 15 catches for 200 yards and three scores, gives UIW a dynamic passing attack.

UIW's defense has been inconsistent, looking dominant against Southern Illinois but struggling against SDSU. However, their offensive firepower keeps them in the rankings. As they enter Southland Conference play, the Cardinals' high-scoring offense could make them a contender for the conference title.

24. Central Arkansas (1-1)

The Bears rebounded from their opening week loss to FBS Arkansas State with a convincing 35-14 win over Lindenwood. Quarterback Will McElvain has been solid, throwing for 450 yards and four touchdowns in two games. The ground game, led by Darius Hale, has been particularly impressive, averaging over 150 yards per game.

Central Arkansas's defense showed improvement in Week 2, forcing two turnovers and holding Lindenwood to just 270 total yards. Their ability to bounce back from a close FBS loss with a dominant FCS win keeps them in the Top 25. The Bears' balanced attack could make them a contender in the ASUN Conference.

25. Eastern Kentucky (0-2)

Despite their winless record, Eastern Kentucky remains in the Top 25 due to their competitive performances against two tough FBS opponents. The Colonels fell to Cincinnati and Kentucky by a combined score of 69-31, but showed flashes of potential against higher-level competition. Quarterback Parker McKinney has been a bright spot, throwing for 450 yards and three touchdowns against strong defenses.

EKU's defense has struggled at times but has shown the ability to create turnovers, forcing three in their first two games. Their ability to compete with FBS opponents suggests they could be formidable once they face FCS competition. As they enter ASUN Conference play, the Colonels' experience against tough competition could give them an edge.