The North Dakota State Bison Aim for Another FCS Championship Title in 2025

As we gear up for the 2025 season, Craig Haley’s early FCS Top 25 rankings show the Bison are not just contenders but formidable favorites.

While the team that finishes a season at the top of the FCS Top 25 rankings may not necessarily maintain that position at the start of the next season, North Dakota State has consistently proven this notion incorrect over the past decade. Their remarkable performance and consistent dominance in the FCS landscape have solidified their reputation as a powerhouse.

As the reigning national champions, the Bison, who have secured 10 of the last 14 national titles, are expected to enter the 2025 season as the top-ranked team in all FCS rankings. Many experts believe they may even strive to match or surpass their historic 16-0 season in 2019, which marked one of the best records in FCS history. The anticipation surrounding their performance is palpable.

The last four FCS championship games have featured a continuous clash of national powerhouses from the Dakota states and Montana. This trend may continue, but for the first time, South Dakota seems poised to make a significant leap into contention. As the FCS championship game moves to Nashville, the excitement surrounding the potential for NDSU to once again compete for the title is undeniable.

With 128 programs set to compete in the 2025 FCS season, the excitement is building early. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the landscape unfolds and who will emerge as the top contenders for the upcoming season.

Explore Craig Haley’s Early FCS Top 25 Rankings for 2025

1. North Dakota State Bison: A Force to be Reckoned With

Final 2024 Record: 14-2, 7-1 MVFC; Final 2024 Stats Perform Ranking: 1

The Overview: With no FBS opponent on their schedule, Coach Tim Polasek’s team is set to be favored in all 12 of their regular-season games. Quarterback Cole Payton, a left-handed talent, is ready to step up and lead the offense. He will connect with standout players such as Jerry Rice Award-winning running back CharMar Brown and wide receiver Bryce Lance, who has impressively caught seven of his FCS-high 17 touchdown receptions during the playoffs.

2. South Dakota Coyotes: Rising Contenders in the FCS Arena

Final 2024 Record: 11-3, 7-1 MVFC; Final 2024 Stats Perform Ranking: 4

Key Highlights: After achieving their first FCS semifinal appearance, the Coyotes have gained significant momentum. Notably, they have defeated NDSU in two of their last three matchups, showcasing their growing competitiveness. The Coyotes are bolstered by key transfers and returning stars, including quarterback Aidan Bouman, running back Charles Pierre Jr., and linebackers Gary Bryant III and Nate Ewell, setting them up for a strong season ahead.

3. UIW Cardinals: A Talented Roster Ready to Shine

Final 2024 Record: 11-3, 7-0 Southland; Final 2024 Stats Perform Ranking: 6

Overview: With the arrival of transfer quarterback Gevani McCoy, the 2022 Jerry Rice Award winner from Idaho, the Cardinals are in an excellent position to excel. He will benefit from playing alongside the most potent wide receiver duo in the FCS, Jalen Walthall and Roy Alexander. The backfield is also fortified with standout running backs Dekalon Taylor and Lontrell Turner, making UIW a formidable offensive threat.

4. Montana State Bobcats: Navigating Change While Maintaining Strength

Final 2024 Record: 15-1, 8-0; Final 2024 Stats Perform Ranking: 2

Key Insights: Under the leadership of Eddie Robinson Award-winning coach Brent Vigen, the Bobcats face the challenge of replacing crucial players, including Walter Payton-winning quarterback Tommy Mellott. However, they still possess a robust lineup with returnees Chance Wilson and Jordan Reed, along with freshman River Warren. The running back position remains strong with talents like Adam Jones and Julius Davis, while the defensive end position is reinforced by Kenneth Eiden IV and Zac Crews.

5. South Dakota State Jackrabbits: Adapting to New Leadership

Final 2024 Record: 12-3, 7-1 MVFC; Final 2024 Stats Perform Ranking: 3

Key Challenges: The departure of coach Jimmy Rogers to Washington State has left the Jackrabbits with significant changes, as they face the biggest transfer portal impacts of any FCS program. New coach Dan Jackson must navigate these changes while bolstering the roster with transfers. Quarterback Chase Mason will take the helm, following in the footsteps of Mark Gronowski, who set an FCS record with 49 career wins as a starter.

6. Illinois State Redbirds: Building a Competitive Edge

Final 2024 Record: 10-4, 6-2 MVFC; Final 2024 Stats Perform Ranking: 11

Overview: Quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse faces the challenge of effectively distributing the ball among a talented group of running backs, including Wenkers Wright, Mason King, and Matt Lawson, as well as wide receivers Daniel Sobkowicz and Xavier Loyd. Linebacker Tye Niekamp has made a significant impact, already showcasing his talent over two standout seasons.

7. Montana Grizzlies: Leveraging Transfers for a Stronger Squad

Final 2024 Record: 9-5, 5-3 Big Sky; Final 2024 Stats Perform Ranking: 10

Key Highlights: The Grizzlies are set to keep the momentum going with running backs Eli Gillman and Malae Fonoti leading the charge. Quarterback Jake Jensen (formerly of USC) and safety Micah Harper (from BYU), along with linebacker Elijawah Tolbert and all-purpose player Michael Wortham, who transferred from Eastern Washington, are crucial additions. Additionally, the Griz will benefit from an impressive eight regular-season home games, enhancing their chances for success.

8. Rhode Island Rams: Building on Recent Success

Final 2024 Record: 11-3, 7-1 CAA; Final 2024 Stats Perform Ranking: 9

Noteworthy Achievements: After breaking a 39-year playoff drought and reaching the quarterfinals, the Rams are poised for even greater success. Their experienced offensive line, combined with the chemistry between quarterback Devin Farrell and All-American wide receiver Marquis Buchanan, positions them as a formidable force to watch in the upcoming season.

9. Villanova Wildcats: Strengthening Their Offensive Line

Final 2024 Record: 10-4, 6-2 CAA; Final 2024 Stats Perform Ranking: 12

Key Contributors: Led by Jake Picard, the offensive line is set to create opportunities for running backs David Avit and Isaiah Ragland. The Wildcats have also added former Nicholls quarterback Pat McQuaide, which will enhance their offensive strategy. Senior linebacker Shane Hartzell enters his final year with an impressive tally of 294 career tackles, contributing significantly to their defensive prowess.

10. Tarleton State Texans: Aiming for Conference Dominance

Final 2024 Record: 10-4, 6-2 UAC; Final 2024 Stats Perform Ranking: 13

Potential for Success: After five consecutive winning seasons at the FCS level and their first playoff bid, the Texans are on track to vie for a conference title. Their defense is particularly robust, featuring talented players like defensive end Brandon Tolbert and linebackers AJ Owens, Ty Rawls, and Bam Smith, making them a tough opponent for any team.

11. Idaho Vandals (10-4, 6-2 Big Sky)

12. Sacramento State Hornets (3-9, 1-7 Big Sky)

13. Lehigh Mountain Hawks (9-4, 5-1 Patriot)

14. Mercer Bears (11-3, 7-1 SoCon)

15. UC Davis Aggies (11-3, 7-1 Big Sky)

16. Monmouth Hawks (6-6, 4-4 CAA)

17. Stony Brook Seawolves (8-4, 5-3 CAA)

18. Southern Utah Thunderbirds (7-5, 6-2 UAC)

19. Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (7-5, 5-2 Big South-OVC)

20. Chattanooga Mocs (7-5, 5-3 SoCon)

21. Jackson State Tigers (12-2, 8-0 SWAC)

22. Harvard Crimson (8-2, 5-2 Ivy)

23. Youngstown State Penguins (4-8, 3-5 MVFC)

24. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (7-5, 4-3 MVFC)

25. Richmond Spiders (10-3, 8-0 CAA – joining Patriot League)

Emerging Teams for FCS Top 25 Rankings (Alphabetical): Abilene Christian Wildcats (9-5, 7-1 UAC); Austin Peay Governors (4-8, 3-5 UAC); Eastern Kentucky (8-5, 6-2 UAC); New Hampshire Wildcats (8-5, 6-2 CAA); Southeastern Louisiana Lions (7-5, 6-1 Southland); Southeast Missouri (9-4, 6-2 Big South-OVC); Southern Illinois Salukis (4-8, 2-6 MVFC); Tennessee State Tigers (9-4, 6-2 Big South-OVC); UT Martin Skyhawks (9-5, 6-2 Big South-OVC); Western Carolina Catamounts (7-5, 6-2 SoCon)

Essential Insights for the 2025 FCS Season

1. Defending Conference Champions: The champions for various conferences include Big Sky – Montana State; Big South-OVC – Southeast Missouri, Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech, and UT Martin; CAA – Rhode Island (with Richmond moving to the Patriot League); Ivy – Columbia, Dartmouth, and Harvard; MEAC – South Carolina State; MVFC – North Dakota State, South Dakota, and South Dakota State; NEC – Central Connecticut State and Duquesne; Patriot – Holy Cross and Lehigh; Pioneer – Drake; SoCon – Mercer; Southland – UIW; SWAC – Jackson State; and UAC – Abilene Christian.

2. This summer, Delaware (CAA) and Missouri State (MVFC) will transition from the FCS to the FBS. Additionally, Southland Conference member UTRGV will commence its inaugural football season, while Richmond will shift from the CAA to the Patriot League, opening the 2025 season against defending champion Lehigh, who eliminated the Spiders in the first round of the 2024 playoffs.

3. The FCS championship game will now take place in Nashville instead of Frisco, Texas, for the next two seasons, with the 2025 season culminating on January 5 at Vanderbilt University’s FirstBank Stadium, creating a fresh and exciting atmosphere for fans.

4. For the first time in history, the Ivy League champion will participate in the FCS playoffs, marking a significant shift in the league’s long-standing ban on postseason play that has been in effect since 1945. Notably, Dartmouth and Harvard have both been involved in three-way ties for the Ivy titles for the past two seasons.

5. Unless there are unexpected changes, only two teams from the final 2024 Stats Perform FCS Top 25 rankings will have new coaches: South Dakota State (with Dan Jackson) and Idaho (with Thomas Ford).

6. Jackson State, coming off their SWAC, Celebration Bowl, and HBCU national titles, enters the upcoming season with the longest active win streak (10 games), closely followed by Tennessee Tech (five wins), and then Elon, North Dakota State, Presbyterian, and San Diego (each with four wins).

7. Returning first-team selections from the 2024 Stats Perform All-America Team include wide receiver Jalen Walthall (UIW); linebacker Tye Niekamp (Illinois State); defensive backs Rex Connors (UC Davis) and Jalen Jones (William & Mary); place-kicker DC Pippin; and punter Jeff Yurk (Elon), all of whom are expected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming season.

8. Several FCS programs, including Mercyhurst (NEC), Stonehill (NEC), Lindenwood (Big South-OVC), St. Thomas (Pioneer), and Texas A&M-Commerce (Southland), won’t be playoff-eligible until 2026 due to the reclassifying process. These teams are eagerly awaiting the NCAA Division I Council proposal that might shorten this transitional period, with graduation rates being a significant factor in playoff eligibility.

9. The Southern Conference has experienced a remarkable trend with a different champion for six consecutive seasons. Teams like Chattanooga (last title in 2015), The Citadel (2016), and Western Carolina (still seeking their first title) are vying for a seventh consecutive champion.

10. In the 2024 season, six FCS teams managed to defeat FBS opponents. The average number of such victories over the last decade is 7.6, excluding the pandemic-impacted 2020-21 academic year, underscoring the competitive nature of FCS football.

Top Photo: Standouts from the FCS, including South Dakota’s Nate Ewell, North Dakota State’s CharMar Brown, Rhode Island’s Marquis Buchanan, and Montana State’s Kenneth Eiden IV.

If you love following the early FCS Top 25 rankings, stay connected with all our FCS football coverage on X, Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.