Montana State Headlines 2026 FCS Preseason Top 25 as North Dakota State Departs for FBS

The landscape of the Football Championship Subdivision has officially shifted. As the 2026 college football season approaches, the defending national champion Montana State Bobcats have claimed the unanimous No. 1 spot in the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Top 25 poll. The Bobcats secured all 57 first-place votes, signaling overwhelming consensus among media members and analysts following their dominant 14-2 campaign and national title victory over Illinois State last season.[1][3]

Montana State's position at the summit is well-earned. The program returns more than 25 significant contributors from its championship roster, including multiple All-Americans on both sides of the ball. The Bobcats have built a formidable machine in Bozeman, and their unanimous selection reflects a belief that they are uniquely positioned to establish the subdivision's next great dynasty.[1][2]

However, the most significant storyline of the 2026 preseason poll is the team that is no longer listed. North Dakota State, the historic juggernaut that defined FCS football for over a decade, has officially transitioned to the Football Bowl Subdivision. The Bison's departure leaves a massive power vacuum at the top of the subdivision, fundamentally altering the championship calculus for every remaining contender.[3]

With North Dakota State out of the picture, the Big Sky Conference has firmly asserted itself as the premier power center in the FCS. Sitting directly behind Montana State at No. 2 are their fierce in-state rivals, the Montana Grizzlies. The Grizzlies' placement sets the stage for a monumental season in the Treasure State, where the "Brawl of the Wild" rivalry could carry national championship implications.[1][3]

The Missouri Valley Football Conference, long considered the deepest league in the FCS, remains highly competitive despite the loss of its flagship program. South Dakota State enters the season at No. 3, carrying the mantle for the MVFC. The Jackrabbits are followed closely by conference rival Illinois State at No. 4, ensuring that the Midwest will still have a major say in the national title race.[1][2][3]

Beyond the traditional blue bloods, the 2026 preseason poll highlights the rapid ascent of newer programs. Tarleton State, representing the United Athletic Conference, secured the No. 5 ranking. The Texans have been ranked for 27 consecutive weeks dating back to 2024, and their top-five placement marks a historic high-water mark for the program as they debut their top-ranked recruiting class.[1][3]

The remainder of the top 10 features a mix of established playoff regulars. UC Davis sits at No. 6, followed by Rhode Island at No. 7 and Villanova at No. 8. Youngstown State and North Dakota round out the top 10, underscoring the enduring depth of the MVFC even in a transitional year.[1]

Further down the ballot, several programs are generating significant preseason optimism. Lehigh's resurgence has earned them the No. 11 spot, a major victory for the Patriot League. Meanwhile, South Carolina State enters the poll at No. 24 after capturing back-to-back MEAC championships, ensuring HBCU representation in the national rankings alongside Ivy League contender Yale at No. 18.[1][2]

As the 2026 season kicks off, the FCS is entering a thrilling new era. The departure of a historic dynasty has democratized the championship race, offering hope to programs from Stephenville to Bethlehem. While the road to the national title currently runs through Bozeman, the absence of the Bison means a new hierarchy is actively being forged on the gridiron.[1][2][3]