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
- Mercer
- Abilene Christian
- Youngstown State
- Nicholls
- Eastern Washington
Teams Who Fell Out
- UT Martin
- Richmond
- Western Carolina
- Furman
25) Eastern Illinois Panthers (–) +/stay
Eastern Illinois narrowly missed the playoffs with an 8-3 record, finishing ranked No. 24 in the coaches poll.
Yet, that sentence is missing important context: the Panthers went 2-9 in 2022. Meaning last season marked the highest year-over-year increase in winning percentage in the FCS, and the program is poised for even more success in 2024.
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Several key players return, including QB Pierce Holley, who was named the Big South-OVC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year after passing for 2,741 yards and 17 TDs last season. Additionally, the defense, which ranked second in the nation in turnovers, will have eight first-teamers back, led by standout LB Elijawah Tolbert.
Starting off the year with a 45-0 loss to Illinois certainly didn’t boost confidence, but the Panthers bounced back with a 27-20 victory against Indiana State in Week 2 that wasn’t as close as the score would dictate.
24) 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.
Junior Tommy Rittenhouse has taken over for Zack Annexstad under center after playing well in relief down the stretch.
The offense, which ranked 12th in scoring (32.8 PPG), also returns first-team All-MVFC running back Mason King and the team’s top three pass catchers, namely WR1 Daniel Sobkowicz (68-933-10 receiving line in 2023). Quietly, the defense did more than carry its weight, ranking 22nd in the FCS in scoring (20.5).
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.
23) Southern Utah Thunderbirds (NR)
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.
RB Targhee Lambson devasted the Miners on the ground, racking up 183 rushing yards and two TDs. The defense was also stellar, registering 10 tackles for loss and holding UTEP to just 5 of 16 on third downs.
22) Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (NR)
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.
21) Tarleton State Texans (–)
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.
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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.
20) Florida A&M (–)
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. Dropping the game against 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).
19) Lafayette Leopards (–)
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.
18) Albany Great Danes (-2)
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.
Facing Idaho this week will test the Great Danes’ composition, but favorable matchups against Maine, Bryant, and Stony Brook later in the season lessen the overall difficulty.
17) Wofford Terriers (NR)
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’ QBs combined for four INTs and averaged less than 4.0 yards per attempt. Meanwhile, Amari Odom was efficient, throwing two TDs with zero turnovers, sealing the victory.
16) Elon Phoenix (+8)
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 (who they fell to 26-3 in Week 1), North Carolina Central (who they beat 41-19), and Western Carolina, but if the Pheonix can escape the gauntlet with two wins, 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.
15) William & Mary Tribe (+1)
There is 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.
14) 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. With another ranked matchup up next against Southern Illinois, we’ll know the Cardinals’ ceiling after Week 3.
13) Southern Illinois Salukis (+2)
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. How they perform against Incarnate Word in Week 3 will be crucial in maintaining their offensive momentum and could solidify their dominance on the ground this season.
12) UC Davis Aggies (-1)
Just how good is RB Lan Larison? In only eight games, he generated 1,299 total yards and 15 scores on 199 touches. When he’s healthy, he is UC Davis’ entire offense.
But Larison isn’t the Aggies’ only returner, with 11 offensive and eight defensive starters in the fold, which should make the transition from HC Dan Hawkins to Tim Plough relatively seamless.
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.
11) Sacramento State Hornets (-3)
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 could signal 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.
10) North Dakota Fighting Hawks (NR)
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 began with a tight loss to Iowa State (21-3) and a ranked win over Montana.
The Fighting Hawks fell behind 24-7 early as their offense struggled to find its rhythm in Week 2, but the second half was a different story. North Dakota dominated possession through multiple lengthy drives, capitalizing on four first downs via Montana penalties.
Despite the Grizzlies averaging 7.8 yards per carry, they ran the ball just three times in the second half and only managed 17 plays total. North Dakota’s ability to grind down the clock and control the tempo begs the question: are they really a top-10 team in FCS, especially after losing most of their 2023 starters?
9) Montana Grizzlies (-5)
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.
Redshirt freshman Keali’i Ah Yat earned the start at QB in Week 1, but he underwhelmed against Missouri State. Fresno State transfer Logan Fife lit a spark in the second half, leading to three scoring drives (two TDs and one FG) and a 29-24 victory.
Ah Yat didn’t improve in Week 2, averaging 5.0 yards per attempt and picking up just 4 of 13 third downs against North Dakota’s suffocating defense. He has sorely missed Bergan’s presence, who has now missed two straight games despite warming up before each. If he doesn’t return soon, the Grizzlies could be in trouble.
8) Chattanooga Mocs (+1)
Was last year’s second-round exit Chattanooga’s ceiling or a sign of things to come? The Mocs were 38.5-point underdogs on the road against Tennessee, but the Vols blew their brakes off, 69-3. Chattanooga didn’t get back into the win column this week either, as they took on yet another FBS opponent: Georgia State.
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However, Chattanooga nearly pulled off but fell short after a late Georgia State TD. While the Mocs averaged more yards per play (6.0 to 5.4), three turnovers — including two INTs by star QB Chase Artopoeus — proved costly. Still, the close contest provides a confidence boost heading into a pivotal Week 3 showdown with Mercer.
7) Central Arkansas Bears (+3)
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 McElvian, 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 was too little too late, as they ultimately lost 34-31. However, Lindenwood felt their rath in Week 2, as Central Arkansas cruised to a 34-13 win.
All questions about Powell and Walker’s abilities should be put to rest, with Powell going over 120 rushing yards and Walker generating 2+ sacks in each of the first two games of the season.
6) South Dakota Coyotes (-1)
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 eight-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.
5) Villanova Wildcats (+1)
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 should excite fans. Villanova’s balance in both phases emphasizes their place as one of the nation’s most dangerous teams.
4) Idaho Vandals (+3)
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, 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.
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) North Dakota State Bison (–)
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.
The two-headed QB monster of Cam Miller and Cole Payton lead the offense, and the veteran-laden defense has returned to their dominant form. Expectations are always high in Fargo, but with nine of 12 All-MVFC performers running it back, they’re attainable in 2024.
After narrowly defeating Colorado in Week 1, NDSU came right back and punched Tennessee State in the mouth, 52-3.
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.
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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.
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