FCS Nation Radio’s Preseason Top 25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 11, 2025

This year’s list is loaded with contenders from across the country, featuring:

• 6 teams from the Big Sky Conference (BSC)

• 5 from the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC)

• 4 from the Southern Conference

• 4 from the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA)

• 2 from the Big South–OVC

• and one team each from the United Athletic Conference (UAC), Southland, SWAC, and Patriot League

Here’s how it stacks up:

FCS Nation's Preseason Top 25 (2025)

1. North Dakota State

2. South Dakota State

3. Montana State

4. South Dakota

5. Idaho

6. Montana

7. Tarleton State

8. Illinois State

9. Mercer

10. Villanova

11. Incarnate Word

12. Rhode Island

13. Southern Illinois

14. UC Davis

15. Northern Arizona

16. Western Carolina

17. Sacramento State

18. Chattanooga

19. Monmouth

20. Stony Brook

21. Lehigh

22. East Tennessee State

23. Tennessee Tech

24. Jackson State

25. UT Martin