The 2024 FCS Top 25 Power Rankings showcase programs that prove FCS football is far more than just the little brother to the FBS.
Amid the chaos of conference realignment, transfer portal transactions, and the College Football Playoff expansion, this season is one of the most thrilling in recent memory.
While the majority of the country has its eyes on powerhouses like Georgia and Ohio State, true die-hard fans know that the heart of the game beats strongest with teams like Florida A&M and Tarleton State.
CFN’s Official FCS Top 25 Power Rankings
First things first, a quick primer on the FCS landscape for the uninitiated: The postseason bracket features 24 teams, with 10 automatic bids and 14 at-large teams as voted on by the FCS Playoff Committee.
In prior years, the top eight teams were seeded, but to provide more balanced early-round matchups, further transparency on who hosts in the first round, and introduce less regionalization, the Committee will now seed the top 16.
Also of note, Delaware and Missouri State will join the CUSA next year, meaning they are not eligible to receive Top 25 votes this season.
Teams on the Outside Looking In
- Northern Iowa
- UT Martin
- Richmond
- Western Carolina
- Furman
Teams Who Fell Out
- Eastern Illinois
- Chattanooga
25) Southern Utah Thunderbirds (-2)
Southern Utah hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2017, but the program is on the rise under head coach DeLane Fitzgerald. The Thunderbirds drew Utah in Week 1, which was an automatic loss, but they came right back and upset UTEP 27-24 — thanks in large part to a 32-yard missed field goal on the game’s final play.
Running back Targhee Lambson devasted the Miners on the ground, racking up 183 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The defense was also stellar, registering 10 tackles for loss and holding UTEP to just 5 of 16 on third downs.
Lambson continued his devastation with 149 yards and two TDs against UC Davis, but it wasn’t enough to propel the Thunderbirds over the Aggies, who eked out a 24-21 victory on the back of an 18-0 third quarter.
24) Albany Great Danes (-6)
Albany’s 2024 season is a compelling reload story after posting a program-record 11 wins and reaching the semifinals last year. Despite losing handfuls of players to the portal and graduation, longtime HC Greg Gattuso aggressively recruited newcomers to bridge the gap.
Wisconsin transfer Myles Burkett took the keys from Reese Poffenbarger under center, and while his debut against Long Island wasn’t confidence-inducing, he threw for 300+ yards against West Virginia in Week 2.
The Great Danes fell into the buzzsaw that is a red-hot Idaho team in Week 3, but favorable matchups against Maine, Bryant, and Stony Brook later in the season lessen the schedule’s overall difficulty.
23) Elon Phoenix (-7)
Elon isn’t running from competition in 2024, with six of its first seven opponents coming off winning seasons. The non-conference schedule includes Duke (lost 26-3), North Carolina Central (won 41-19), and Western Carolina (lost 24-17), but the Phoenix escaped the gauntlet with a win, and they should have no issue in the CAA, where they went 6-2 in 2023.
QB1 Matthew Downing returns with WR1 Chandler Brayboy, and star DB Caleb Curtain is back to anchor the defense. It won’t be easy, but Elon has the talent to make the playoffs for the second time in Tony Trisciani’s six-year tenure.
22) Abilene Christian Wildcats (NR)
After going band for band with Texas Tech in the opener, resulting in a 52-51 overtime loss, the Wildcats have strung together back-to-back wins.
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West Georgia (1-2) and Northern Colorado (0-3) are far from elite competition, but Abilene Christian is averaging the third-most yards (479.7) and sixth-most points (37.7) per game in the FCS, proving they can score with the best of the best.
21) Illinois State Redbirds (+3)
The Redbirds are looking to build on their 6-5 record and earn a playoff berth for the first time since 2019. They lost four games by eight points or fewer in 2023, but they have the talent to flip those results.
A 40-0 drubbing against Iowa threatened the Redbirds’ place in the FCS Top 25, but they ran all over North Alabama (46-338-2 team rushing line) en route to a 24-17 win and scored double-digit points in every quarter of Week 3 to put away Western Illinois 51-34.
20) Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (+2)
Since 2018, the Redhawks have either won nine games and made the playoffs (2018, 2019, 2022) or won four and set their sights on the upcoming season (2020, 2021, 2023). Will the real SEMO please stand up?
The Redhawks made quick work of North Alabama in Week 0 and only lost by a touchdown to New Mexico State in Week 1. However, their most impressive outing came in a double-overtime thriller against UT Martin in Week 2.
SEMO had no rushing game to speak of, with their RBs losing a yard on four attempts. But it didn’t matter, as QB Paxton DeLaurent set a school record with six passing TDs in a time of possession nearly half that of the Skyhawks.
19) Tarleton State Texans (+2)
The Texans moved up to the Division I level in 2020 and have recorded four straight winning seasons under HC Todd Whitten. The 2024 campaign will be the first in which they are eligible for the postseason, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
The offense, which averaged 33.3 points per game last year, will once again feature UAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Kayvon Britten, QB Victor Gabalis, and the team’s top three WRs. If the defense can hold its own after allowing 24.5 points per game, the Texans will be well-positioned to make a significant run.
MORE: 2024 FBS QB Rankings
Gabalis suffered a thumb injury in a Week 0 win over McNeese, forcing his backups to face Baylor. The outcome was about as you’d expect, with the Texans losing 45-3. Yet, Gabalis underwent surgery this week and is expected to return in 3-4 weeks.
The schedule isn’t difficult over that span, beginning with a 35-18 win over Houston Baptist in Week 2, but Tarleton State needs to add to the win column with a final stretch that includes Eastern Kentucky, Abilene Christian, and Central Arkansas.
18) Florida A&M (+2)
The reigning Celebration Bowl champions kicked off their season with a 24-23 win over Norfolk State in the MEAC/SWAC challenge and a 22-18 victory over South Carolina State in Week 1. While both contests were closer than they should’ve been, FAU transfer QB Daniel Richardson proved he could keep the offense humming. Falling to Miami in Week 2 was expected, but FAMU remains in the Top 20.
It’s important to remember that SWAC/MEAC champions have the option of participating in the FCS playoff or the Celebration Bowl (the Rattlers chose the latter last season).
17) Wofford Terriers (–)
Wofford lost nine straight games last season before finishing with victories over Citadel and Furman. The Terriers have kept the good times rolling in 2024, defeating two 2023 playoff teams in Gardner-Webb and Richmond.
In a defensive battle with Richmond, Wofford’s passing game proved to be the difference. The Spiders’ quarterbacks combined for four interceptions and averaged less than 4.0 yards per attempt. Unfortunately, William & Mary proved too much to handle in Week 3, with Wofford losing by a touchdown (28-21).
A two-game stretch against Mercer and West Carolina will test the Terriers’ composition for the rest of the season.
16) Lafayette Leopards (+3)
Outside of a 2-1 record in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, the Leopards’ last winning season came in 2009 … until last year. Under the tutelage of HC John Troxell, Lafayette went 9-3 and narrowly lost to Delaware in the first round of the playoffs (36-34).
After losing to Patriot League programs in back-to-back years (Holy Cross in 2022 and Fordham in 2023), Buffalo exercised its demons in Week 1, beating Lafayette 30-13. Yet, QB Dean DeNobile and RB Jamar Curtis shook off the loss quickly and outscored a strong Monmouth team 40-35 on the road in Week 2.
Marist posed no real threat in Week 3, with the Leopards’ DeNobile completing 87% of his passes and Curtis scoring three TDs in the 56-14 win.
15) Incarnate Word Cardinals (-1)
Incarnate Word has one of the best passers in the country behind center: Zach Calzada. But he didn’t lead the program to an 8-2 record on his own, as the offense (11th) and defense (15th) both ranked in the top 15 last season.
The Cardinals will want to expunge the disappointing taste in their mouths after missing the postseason due to a late-season loss to Nicholls, costing them the Southland title.
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Clint Killough’s squad should be favored in every conference game, but last season proved that they’ll likely need to win all of them to make the dance.
A relatively easy win over Northern Colorado was followed by a never-close loss to South Dakota State. Incarnate Word lost its second straight to a ranked opponent in Week 3, but it was a much closer affair. The Cardinals held Southern Illinois scoreless in the second half, but it was too little too late, as they fell 35-28.
14) Mercer Bears (NR)
There is only one place to start with Mercer: defense. The unit is No. 1 in PPG (5.0) and No. 2 in YPG (193.7). Mercer had been on the outside looking in for the first two weeks, with blowout wins over Presbyterian (63-10) and Bethune-Cookman (31-2).
However, knocking off Chattanooga, who entered the year in the Top 10, cemented the program’s place in the FCS Power Rankings. The Bears held the Mocs to three points, 0 for 12 on third downs, and one yard per rush. The offense only generated 10 points, but with the defense performing at an elite level, that’s clearly enough.
13) William & Mary Tribe (+2)
There’s only one place to start William & Mary’s write-up: Charles Grant.
The 6’4″, 300-pound OT is the best offensive lineman in FCS football and should be one of the highest-drafted players from the subdivision next April. But the ball doesn’t stop there.
After missing significant time due to injury last season, RB Bronson Yoder and WR/return man DreSean Kendrick are back to ignite the offense alongside QB Darius Wilson. The impact of All-World EDGE John Pius’ departure to Wisconsin can’t be understated, but the defense isn’t bereft of talent.
After barely missing the playoffs a year ago, the Tribe is hungry for redemption, and it began with a 41-7 thrashing of VMI in Week 1. And although it couldn’t upset a hot Coastal Carolina team, W&M put up 21 points and defeated an in-rhythm Wofford squad 28-21 in Week 3.
12) Southern Illinois Salukis (+1)
Head coach Nick Hill is one of the best in the FCS, leading the Salukis to three playoff appearances and four winning seasons in the last five years.
Murray State transfer DJ Williams won the job under center, and although he completed just 50% of his passes in a 41-13 loss to BYU, he was the team’s entire offense, taking 15 carries for 121 yards and two scores.
Austin Peay provided much less resistance in Week 2, as the Salukis’ RB1 (Shaun Lester Jr.) and RB2 (Jaelin Benefield) averaged over six yards per carry en route to a 31-17 victory. The Salukis kept the momentum going with a ranked win over Incarnate Word in Week 3, setting them up for a pivotal four-week stretch: vs. SEMO, at South Dakota, vs. Illinois State, and vs. NDSU.
11) UC Davis Aggies (+1)
It seemed the Aggies could upset in-state FBS program Cal in Week 1, as they were down 14-13 at halftime. However, the Bears locked down the second half, going on a 17-0 run to close it out.
UC Davis didn’t dwell on the loss, dropping 36 points on Texas A&M-Commerce while shutting them out in the first half of their Week 2 matchup. The Aggies came right back and defeated ranked opponent Southern Utah, though they needed an 18-0 third quarter to do it. Do-it-all RB Lan Larison once again carried the offense, gaining 88 yards and 15 carries and taking seven catches for 92 yards and a score.
10) Sacramento State Hornets (+1)
The Hornets have been to playoffs every year Andy Thompson has been on staff (joined as the defensive coordinator in 2019 before becoming the head coach in 2023). Despite losing nine defensive starters, the Hornets reloaded through the transfer portal, bringing in the likes of All-Conference LB Will Leota and Idaho safety Murvin Kenion III.
The Hornets got out to a 14-7 lead in the first quarter vs. San Jose State, but they sputtered the rest of the way, losing 42-24. Bennett threw two picks, and much like last season, the coaching staff inserted Carson Conklin into the lineup. Yet, the real takeaway was RB Elijah Tau-Tolliver’s performance on the ground (22-110-2).
After a fumble and interception early in Week 2 against Fresno State, the coaching staff once again benched Bennett in favor of Conklin, a move that signaled a shift in the QB pecking order going forward. Conklin threw three TDs, and the defense snatched two picks of its own and held the Bulldogs to just 3.5 yards per carry.
However, the damage was done, and the Hornets dropped their second straight game against a Mountain West opponent, 46-30. The Hornets used poor Nicholls as their punching bag in Week 3, generating 34 points and allowing seven in their first win of the season.
9) North Dakota Fighting Hawks (+1)
North Dakota is coming off a 7-5 season in 2023, which ended with a first-round FCS playoff loss to Sacramento State. Their 2024 campaign has begun with a tight loss to Iowa State (21-3), a ranked win over Montana, and a 52-28 thrashing of Idaho State.
North Dakota’s ability to grind down the clock and control the tempo begs the question, how far can they go in the FCS playoffs?
8) Montana Grizzlies (+1)
After struggling a few years ago, Montana has become a powerhouse. The program returns 16 starters, including an overwhelming offensive line, leading rusher Eli Gillman, and WR Junior Bergen, the most electrifying player in the FCS.
The Grizzlies’ schedule sets them up well, though the toughest Big Sky game will be a road duel against rival Montana State in Bozeman. With national title aspirations, the Griz must avoid slip-ups like last year’s unexpected loss to Northern Arizona.
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Through three weeks, it appears Montana has a bit of a QB problem, with Keali’i Ah Yat and Logan Fife splitting reps. The result is a 2-1 record, with the loss coming against North Dakota. The ground game is rumbling for whatever it wants, but the passing attack needs to follow suit in order to remain competitive down the stretch.
7) Central Arkansas Bears (–)
Central Arkansas hasn’t seen playoff action since 2019, but this year, they’re the hot pick to dethrone Austin Peay and claim the UAC title. With the return of 1,000-yard RB ShunDerrick Powell and QB Will McElvain, the Bears’ offense is a powder keg.
On the other side of the ball, EDGE David Walker is the premier defender in the FCS, generating 40 tackles for loss and 20.5 sacks over the last two seasons.
After a scoreless first half, the Bears exploded in the second against Arkansas State, but it wasn’t enough, as they ultimately lost 34-31. However, Lindenwood (34-13) and Austin Peay (45-17) felt their wrath in Weeks 2 and 3.
All questions about Powell and Walker’s abilities should be put to rest, with Powell going over 120 rushing yards and Walker generating at least one sack in each of the first three games of the season.
6) South Dakota Coyotes (–)
South Dakota’s eye-opening 2023 run, which included an early-season victory over North Dakota State, ended in a one-sided 45-17 loss to the Bison in the quarterfinals. With the terrifying trio of QB Aidan Bouman, RB Travis Theis, and WR Carter Bell back and owning a defense that allowed an eighth-ranked 17.7 points per game last year, the Coyotes could break into the top four in 2024.
The Coyotes demolished DII program Northern State 45-3 in Week 1, with RB2 Charles Pierre Jr. looking like RB1 Theis with a 13-136-2 rushing line. However, they couldn’t upset Wisconsin in Week 2, specifically due to the passing game’s inability to move the ball. Regardless, it was an impressive showing by the rushing attack, which averaged 6.2 yards per carry.
The Week 3 contest with Portland State was canceled following a whooping cough outbreak within the Vikings’ program.
5) Villanova Wildcats (–)
Last year, the Wildcats gave South Dakota State a run for their money in the postseason (23-12), putting up a bigger fight than Montana did in the championship (23-3).
With dual-threat QB Connor Watkins, five all-conference FCS transfers, four returning All-CAA defenders on the roster, and one of the easiest conference schedules in the country, Nova is poised to be a formidable contender once again this season.
Kicking off the year with a 24-17 victory over a stout Youngstown State team and a convincing 28-3 victory over Colgate excited fans, the Wildcats came down to Earth some in a 14-13 win against Townson in Week 3. Still, Villanova’s balance in both phases emphasizes their place as one of the nation’s most dangerous teams.
4) North Dakota State Bison (-2)
Last year was an anomaly for the Bison, as they struggled with inconsistency and dropped four games. With HC Matt Entz off to be an assistant at USC, NDSU brought in Tim Polasek, who was a part of the program’s four FCS championship-winning teams during the 2010s.
Expectations are always high in Fargo, but with nine of 12 All-MVFC performers running it back, they’re attainable in 2024.
After narrowly losing to Colorado in Week 1, NDSU came right back and punched Tennessee State in the mouth, 52-3. However, the Bison struggled to put away East Tennessee State in Week 3, needing two TDs in the final three minutes to seal the 38-35 victory. The run defense was particularly concerning, as the unit allows ETSU to average 7.1 yards per attempt.
3) Montana State Bobcats (–)
Remember the number 23 — that’s how many senior players Montana State returns this season, including dynamic QB Tommy Mellott.
The Bobcats boast FBS-level talent across the board and proved as much by upsetting New Mexico in Week 1, 35-31.
The Bobcats have ranked second in the FCS in rushing yards per game over the last three seasons under HC Brent Vigen, and after hitting the ground running with 362 yards against the Lobos, 329 in a Week 1 win over Utah Tech, and 344 against Maine in Week 2, they should be able to pound their way to the playoff.
2) Idaho Vandals (+2)
Despite starting the season with back-to-back FBS bouts, Idaho gave Oregon a run for its money (24-14) and beat Wyoming outright (17-13). Their home schedule offers a likely 4-0 run, including a dominant 41-13 win over Albany in Week 3, and they benefit from avoiding Montana and Sacramento State due to the schedule rotation.
The Vandals have played old-school football, leaning on their ground game and arguably the best defense in the country, which allowed only 22.1 points per game last season (28th in the FCS) and returned eight starters.
1) South Dakota State Jackrabbits (–)
South Dakota State’s No. 1 ranking on nearly every FCS Top 25 list isn’t just a nod to their back-to-back national titles — it’s a reflection of their ability to dominate every year.
Walter Payton Award-winning quarterback Mark Gronowski spurned the FBS to return to Brookings, and while there are holes to fill on offense, the defense left the offseason largely unscathed.
KEEP READING: 2024 FBS College Football Power Rankings
A 44-20 loss to Oklahoma State in Week 1 showcased the discrepancy between the top of the FCS and the top of the FBS. But the Jackrabbits unleashed their frustration on Incarnate Word in Week 2, throttling the Cardinals 45-24, proving they are well-equipped to chase a historic three-peat in 2024.
Even with a zero-TD, two-INT performance from Gronowski in Week 3, SDSU defeated Augustana 24-3, conceding zero points in the game’s final three quarters.
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