Seven FCS football teams to watch in 2026

The race for the 2026 FCS national championship is loaded with established powers and emerging contenders. Here are seven FCS teams worth watching this fall.

Montana State Bobcats

The defending FCS national champions enter 2026 as the team to beat. Montana State, led by returning quarterback Justin Lamson, opens the season ranked No. 1 in the Stats Perform preseason poll after another dominant campaign and returns one of the nation's deepest rosters. The Bobcats' physical rushing attack, disciplined defense and championship experience make them the favorite to repeat, and every Big Sky opponent will be measuring itself against the reigning champs.

South Dakota State Jackrabbits

Never count out the Jackrabbits. After a "down" season by their lofty standards, South Dakota State enters 2026 as the favorite to win the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The Jackrabbits received 28 first-place votes in the league's preseason poll and remain one of the FCS's most consistent championship contenders. Their physical style, winning culture and experienced roster make them a legitimate threat to return to Frisco and compete for another national title.

Youngstown State Penguins

Youngstown State enters the season with legitimate championship aspirations after reaching the second round of the FCS playoffs in 2025. The Penguins are led by reigning Walter Payton Award winner Beau Brungard, one of the nation's top dual-threat quarterbacks, and return key contributors including All-Americans Michael Wells and Desmeal Leigh. Picked third in the MVFC preseason poll, Youngstown State has the talent to challenge both South Dakota State and North Dakota State for conference supremacy.

Abilene Christian Wildcats

Abilene Christian has rapidly developed into one of the FCS's premier programs. After sharing the 2025 United Athletic Conference championship, the Wildcats begin 2026 ranked No. 2 in the Stats Perform preseason Top 25 and are tied with Tarleton State for first in the UAC preseason poll. A new starting quarterback in FBS transfer Marcos Davila and a challenging schedule featuring conference rivals Tarleton State and Stephen F. Austin should prepare ACU for another deep playoff run, and anything short of the quarterfinals would be viewed as a disappointment.

Tarleton State Texans

Few programs have climbed the FCS ranks as quickly as Tarleton State. The Texans finished 12-2 last season, shared the UAC title and reached the national quarterfinals in just their second year of postseason eligibility. With Wisconsin transfer Braedyn Locke at quarterback, they will probably be ranked inside the preseason top five. Tarleton also welcomed one of the nation's top recruiting classes, giving the Texans both immediate talent and long-term promise. Their showdown with Abilene Christian could once again determine the conference championship.

Yale Bulldogs

Yale enters the season with unprecedented momentum after winning the Ivy League title and earning the conference's first automatic FCS playoff berth. The Bulldogs validated their championship credentials by upsetting No. 2 Youngstown State before falling to eventual national champion Montana State in the quarterfinals. With one of the nation's top defenses returning, including preseason All-American linebacker Abu Kamara, Yale has the experience to repeat as Ivy champions and make another deep playoff push.

Lamar Cardinals

Lamar continues to emerge as one of the Southland Conference's fastest-rising programs under head coach Pete Rossomando. The Cardinals returned to the FCS playoffs last season and enter 2026 as one of the conference favorites after returning a veteran core. In a league that has grown increasingly competitive, Lamar has the experience and confidence to challenge for a conference championship while positioning itself for another postseason appearance.