The 2026 FCS Preseason: A Landscape of Ambition and Uncertainty
The FCS preseason is always a fascinating time—a mix of hope, hype, and unanswered questions. Sam Herder’s 2026 preseason ballot offers a glimpse into a landscape where programs are rebuilding, reloading, and aiming for glory. But what makes this particularly fascinating is how it reflects broader trends in college football: the rise of underdog programs, the impact of coaching changes, and the ever-growing influence of the transfer portal.
Montana State: The Crown Jewel with Questions
Montana State sits atop the rankings, and for good reason. They return a bulk of their national championship squad, including All-American talent like QB Justin Lamson and RB Adam Jones. Personally, I think this team has the potential to be as dominant as the 2023 SDSU squad, but there’s a catch. The defensive line depth and cornerback positions are question marks. What this really suggests is that even the best teams have vulnerabilities. If you take a step back and think about it, this is what makes college football so compelling—no team is invincible.
Montana: A New Era with Familiar Faces
Montana’s transition under Bobby Kennedy is one of the most intriguing storylines this season. All-American QB Keali’i Ah Yat and RB Eli Gillman are back, but the entire starting offensive line needs replacing. What many people don’t realize is how critical offensive line continuity is to a team’s success. This raises a deeper question: Can star power alone carry a team when the foundation is shaky? I’m skeptical, but Montana’s history of resilience makes this a program to watch.
South Dakota State: Rebound or Regression?
South Dakota State fell short of expectations last year, but they return key players like QB Chase Mason and LB Chase Van Tol. The narrative here is about redemption, but what’s often overlooked is the impact of transfer portal losses. In my opinion, SDSU’s ability to rebound hinges on how well they’ve addressed depth issues. If they’ve managed to plug the gaps, they could be a dark horse contender.
The Mid-Tier Contenders: Consistency vs. Upside
Teams like North Dakota, Lehigh, and Rhode Island represent the middle class of FCS football—programs with consistent success but limited national buzz. North Dakota’s offensive line is one of the best in the FCS, but can they turn close losses into wins? Lehigh, under new leadership, retains key players like QB Hayden Johnson, but coaching transitions are always risky. Rhode Island, meanwhile, has been knocking on the door for years. A detail that I find especially interesting is how these programs are fighting for respect in a landscape dominated by traditional powerhouses.
The Underdogs: Stories of Resilience
Programs like UT Martin, Mercer, and Lamar are the heart of FCS football. UT Martin’s consistency in the OVC is impressive, but can they return to the top after a 6-6 season? Mercer, under new coach Joel Taylor, is a wildcard. Lamar, under Pete Rossomando, has gone from a one-win team to a playoff contender in three years—a testament to coaching and player development. These teams remind us that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about culture and grit.
The Transfer Portal: A Double-Edged Sword
The transfer portal has reshaped college football, and FCS is no exception. Teams like Tarleton State and Tennessee Tech have loaded up on transfers, but integration is key. One thing that immediately stands out is how programs like Abilene Christian and SFA have balanced portal additions with roster continuity. This raises a deeper question: Is the portal a shortcut to success, or a recipe for instability?
The Coaching Carousel: A Game-Changer
Coaching changes at Montana, Mercer, and South Dakota will define this season. Kevin Cahill’s move from Lehigh to Yale is particularly intriguing. Yale, with Dante Reno and Abu Kamara, could be a sleeper team. But what this really suggests is that coaching hires can elevate or derail a program’s trajectory. In my opinion, the success of these teams will hinge on how quickly players adapt to new systems.
The Bigger Picture: FCS in a Changing Landscape
The FCS is evolving, with programs like Villanova and William & Mary moving to new conferences. The CAA’s perception is taking a hit, while the SoCon is gaining prominence. If you take a step back and think about it, these shifts reflect the broader dynamics of college athletics—expansion, realignment, and the pursuit of relevance.
Final Thoughts: A Season of Possibilities
The 2026 FCS preseason is a reminder that college football is as much about storytelling as it is about wins and losses. Every team has a narrative, every player a journey. Personally, I’m most excited to see how the underdogs fare and whether the favorites can live up to the hype. This season won’t just crown a champion; it’ll shape the future of FCS football.
