THE WORD

The Missouri Valley and Big Sky have dominated the national championship conversation for years, but Tarleton State, Lehigh, Stephen F. Austin and Lamar are making their cases for a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, Northern Iowa strikes again, Montana and North Dakota tumble in the Top 25, and another loaded MVFC weekend awaits.

The FCS Nation Top 25 gets another shakeup in Week 7. South Dakota State remains No. 1, Tarleton State rises to No. 2, Youngstown State cracks the Top 3 and Northern Arizona surges into the Top 5.

Illinois State climbs into the Top 3, South Dakota makes a massive jump and Stony Brook enters the poll after knocking off Rhode Island. See the complete FCS Nation Week 4 Top 25.

Montana State escaped Central Connecticut State, Stony Brook throttled Rhode Island and Southeastern Louisiana added another FCS-over-FBS win as the FCS Nation Top 25 heads into Week 4.

Week 1 brought FBS upsets, statement wins and two new teams into the rankings. Montana State remains No. 1 in the FCS Nation Week 2 Top 25, while Idaho State makes a major jump and West Florida and Campbell crash the poll.