Fear The FCS 2025 Week 11 Media Ballot

For the first time, I was invited to vote in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 for the 2025 season. I was beyond thrilled to accept the invitation, and like many others, I take the opportunity seriously. As part of the weekly process, I will provide some thoughts and reasoning for my top 25. Below is the Stats Perform Top 25 poll submitted after the week 11 games. The week 10 submission can be found here.

General Thoughts

After last week’s chaos, this week was a bit quieter, although the bottom half of my ballot saw numerous changes. There were no changes among my top 9 teams, but trying to determine places 10 through 15 wasn’t easy. Four of the last five spots from last week’s Top 25 were dropped due to losses.

Week 11 Top 25

1. North Dakota State (10-0) – The Bison look vulnerable? They sure do, although they’re still the best team in the FCS. NDSU survived a road test at rival North Dakota, winning 15-10 after a very late TD run by Cole Payton. The Bison were outplayed in this game, but did enough to survive. The 11 penalties for 98 yards cannot be ignored, nor can the 2 of 12 on third down. It’s not quite “survive and advance” season yet, but this was practice for the FCS playoffs. NDSU also clinched the MVFC’s AQ bid with the win. The Bison remain in the top spot and will face Northern Iowa (3-7) at home next week.

2. Montana State (8-2) – The Bobcats had no issues against Weber State, decimating them 66-14. MSU ran for 269 yards and 6 TDs (from 4 different players) on 40 carries (6.7 average). The Bobcats are clicking right now and stay at #2, but have two huge games left in the regular season. Next week will be the regular season home finale against UC Davis (7-2).

3. Montana (10-0) – Montana had to survive a chaotic ending against Eastern Washington to hang on for the 29-24 win at home. The Grizzlies went out to a 22-0 lead and then… the offense disappeared for almost the remainder of the game. Montana scored early in the third quarter to make it 29-14, but then decided to take the rest of the game off. If fans want to know why I have Montana State ahead of Montana, the reason is that Montana State looks better. I don’t have to wonder if MSU’s offense will pull a Houdini for 2 or 3 quarters. I bring this issue up almost every week with Montana, and they won’t be jumping Montana State unless the Bobcats lose. Montana remains a very tepid third this week and will play at Portland State (1-9) next week.

4. Lehigh (10-0) – I apologize for writing the same thing every week, but it was another “typical” Lehigh performance: strong rushing attack and stopping the run on defense. Lehigh had 344 rushing yards on 45 carries (7.6 average), while holding Holy Cross to 20 yards on 27 carries (0.7 average) in the 38-3 victory. It’s not always flashy, but it’s very conducive to a potential deep FCS playoff run. Lehigh stays in fourth and will be at Colgate (4-6) next week.

5. Mercer (8-1) – Mercer and Western Carolina played an incredible game that went down to the final play, where a missed field goal by WCU saw Mercer win 49-47. Braden Atkinson had a very good game, going 23 of 39 for 443 yards and 3 TDs. The rushing attack came up with some timely plays as well. The difference in the game was the two turnovers forced by the defense against Taron Dickens (a fumble and an INT), which the offense cashed in for 14 points. It goes without saying, but the defense will need to work on limiting the pass in the playoffs, even if Dickens is an excellent QB. The win by Mercer gave them the SoCon AQ bid and the Bears will have a home game against Chattanooga (5-5) next week.

6. Tennessee Tech (10-0) – The Golden Eagles had a tougher-than-expected game against Eastern Illinois, winning 21-9. TTU started with two touchdowns in two drives, but struggled mightily the rest of the game to score. They had two missed field goals and two turnovers in the final 31 minutes, with the defense sealing the game on a fumble returned for a touchdown. EIU hasn’t been the easiest out this season, but TTU didn’t look great in this game. While TTU remains in the sixth spot, don’t be surprised if other teams jump ahead. The Golden Eagles did wrap up a share of the OVC-Big South title with the victory, but not the AQ bid. Tennessee Tech will face Kentucky (4-5) next week.

7. Harvard (8-0) – It was another cruise control victory for Harvard. The Crimson went up 31-0 midway through the third quarter, before Columbia scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to make the final score 31-14. The score may have been 31-0 entering the final frame, but Harvard will want to work on the late game defense because Columbia posted 193 yards in the final 15 minutes. That won’t fly in the FCS playoffs. The Crimson stay in 7th, but could move higher before the playoffs begin. Harvard has two big tests remaining, starting with next week’s home game versus Penn (5-3).

8. Tarleton State (9-1) – After losing to Abilene Christian, the Texans had a bye week this week. They remain in 8th for now and have a home game next week against North Alabama (2-8).

9. Villanova (7-2) – The Wildcats needed an incredible running performance by Ja’briel Mace (291 yards) to put away Towson. Villanova trailed 7-0 late into the first half, but Mace’s first of four TD runs tied the game. He added his second at the start of the second half, and then ran in the final two in the last 4 minutes of the game to make it a 28-10 final. It wasn’t a pretty game, especially in the special teams department, where Villanova went 0 for 3 on field goals, including one from only 23 yards out. Villanova stays at 9th and will welcome Stony Brook (5-5) next week.

10. Rhode Island (8-2) – The Rams made it four straight victories after their midseason stumbles, winning 34-20 on the road against Elon. Devin Farrell led the way, throwing for 309 yards and 2 TDs on 24 of 30 passing. The defense only allowed 225 total yards, including just 30 on the ground. Most importantly, Rhody is undefeated in the CAA, which gives them the inside track on the AQ bid. Rhody is up three spots, back in the top 10, and right on Villanova’s heels. Next week is a road game at Maine (6-4), where a win ensures Rhode Island a share of the CAA title.

11. Abilene Christian (6-4) – After last week’s upset win against Tarleton State, ACU didn’t have a letdown with Utah Tech in town. The Wildcats didn’t have a great offensive game, but the defense forced four turnovers and returned two interceptions for touchdowns. Still, this was a good win against a deceptively pesky 2-8 team. The real tests are the final two road games for ACU, where the Wildcats are 1-4 away from Abilene this season. The Wildcats move up one spot and next week’s game is at Eastern Kentucky (4-6).

12. Youngstown State (6-4) – The Penguins had a slow start against Southern Illinois, falling behind 24-7 early in the second quarter. After that, it was all YSU, as they outscored SIU 41-14 the remainder of the game to win 48-38. The offense couldn’t be stopped (648 total yards), while Beau Brungard had 449 total yards and 6 total TDs. The Penguins jump up four spots this week. The final two games are must-wins, but YSU should win both, starting with the regular season home finale versus Indiana State (3-7).

13. South Dakota (7-4) – South Dakota made it back-to-back home wins against fellow Dakota teams by holding South Dakota State scoreless in the second half to win 24-17. The theme for this year’s USD team is defense, which will carry them most of the way, but the offense will have to help as well. L.J. Phillips ran for 168 yards and 2 TDs on 27 carries. The Coyotes move up one spot this week. South Dakota wraps up its regular season next week with a road game at Southern Illinois (6-4). I think USD has done enough to get an at-large berth for the FCS playoffs, but a win at SIU might put them in the conversation for a top 8 seed.

14. Stephen F. Austin (8-2) – The Lumberjacks took care of business against Houston Christian, 50-3, and every facet of the game had a positive aspect. The rushing attack had 235 yards, the defense held HCU to 134 total yards of offense (only 2 rushing yards), and special teams returned a punt for a TD. SFA moves up six spots, as I’ve been more impressed with them than the teams that didn’t move this week. Next week’s home game against Lamar (8-2) is massive. A win for SFA gives them a share of the conference title, while a loss makes a three-way tie atop the Southland Conference far more likely by season’s end.

15. Lamar (8-2) – The Cardinals picked up a second big victory this season, this time defeating Southeastern Louisiana 14-12 at home. It was an ugly game for fans of offense. The game started with 9 punts and a turnover on downs before a Lamar TD in the final minute of the second quarter. The Cardinals did their best to lose the game in the second half, losing two fumbles and missing a field goal, but SELA couldn’t capitalize. I’ll bring out one of my best hits about Lamar from earlier this season: the margin for error is very slim. While I take Lamar off the sidelines and place them 15th, I still have them behind Stephen F. Austin. Despite Lamar’s win over South Dakota looking better each week, I think SFA looks like the better team right now. However, the paper speculation will end next week when Lamar goes to Stephen F. Austin (8-2) in a potential Southland Conference decider.

16. North Dakota (6-4) – I know I sound like a broken record, but North Dakota dropped yet another winnable game. This was a game mostly dominated by UND. It felt like the Montana and Kansas State games, where North Dakota just couldn’t hold on to the lead late. After North Dakota State took the 15-10 lead, the Fighting Hawks had a chance at the end, but Jerry Kaminski’s pass was intercepted for the third time in the game. North Dakota only drops one spot this week and will be at Murray State (0-10) next week.

17. Lafayette (7-3) – The Lafayette offense exploded this week in a 59-42 win at home versus Colgate. Kente Edwards ran wild, totaling 260 yards and 3 TDs on 20 carries (13.0 average), while Dean DeNobile had 4 passing TDs. Lafayette’s offense has been potent in multiple games this year, but the defense has been shaky at times. If the Leopards are to win the Patriot League, they’ll need to step up on defense. Lafayette stays in 17th this week and will be at Richmond (6-4) next week.

18. UC Davis (7-2) – A week after a surprising loss at home to Idaho State, UC Davis got back on track with a 28-14 win at Idaho. Caden Pinnick had an up-and-down day, going 21 of 27 with 3 TDs, but also throwing 2 picks. One of those turnovers resulted in a touchdown by Idaho’s offense. The defense still looks suspect, giving up some big plays again. Despite the two-touchdown win, the team didn’t look polished, which isn’t a great sign heading into the final weeks. I keep UC Davis in 18th and the Aggies will face Montana State (8-2) on the road next week.

19. Jackson State (7-2) – The Tigers had no issues with Mississippi Valley State, winning 42-3. Jared Lockhart threw for 241 yards and 2 TDs on 21 of 27 passing, while the rushing attack added 217 yards and 3 TDs. The Tigers remain in 19th this week. Jackson State still controls its destiny in the SWAC East and will take on Bethune-Cookman (5-5) at home next week.

20. Illinois State (7-3) – The Battle of ISUs went to Illinois State, which showed up on both sides of the ball against Indiana State in the 52-20 win. At the end of the first quarter and start of the second quarter, it looked like the Redbirds’ defensive woes were returning when Indiana State scored on back-to-back drives. However, the Redbirds came alive on both sides of the ball to build a 35-14 halftime lead. Tommy Rittenhouse had a very good day, going 29 of 34 for 314 yards, 4 TDs, and no picks. The running attack added 241 yards and 3 TDs on 52 carries (4.6 average), while the defense held Indiana State to 272 total yards. Illinois State is in a good spot for an at-large berth and is up four spots this week. The Redbirds will face a free-falling South Dakota State (7-3) on the road next week.

21. Southern Illinois (6-4) – This one is going to hurt SIU because the Salukis led 24-7 midway through the second quarter, but then Youngstown State took over en route to a 48-38 win. DJ Williams played pretty well, posting 416 total yards and 4 TDs, but the defense could not stop YSU at all. The Penguins posted 648 total yards of offense and converted 10 of 13 third downs. SIU doesn’t have a signature win this year and the four losses were to North Dakota, North Dakota State, Purdue, and Youngstown State. The Salukis don’t have the big win and they fall 10 spots to 21st this week. The final two chances for a key win are South Dakota and Illinois State. Next week’s game against the surging Coyotes (7-4) will be at home.

22. Monmouth (8-2) – The Hawks didn’t have the services of Derek Robertson again this week and New Hampshire proved to be too much. UNH defeated Monmouth 34-13 as Frankie Weaver had a solid game through the air with 233 yards and 2 TDs on 20 of 30 passing, but he lost three fumbles when sacked. I can’t say this result is surprising because Monmouth’s offense didn’t great against Hampton and Bryant, outside of Rodney Nelson. Nelson had his second-worst game against UNH, rushing for 88 yards, which is well below the 155 yards per game average entering this week. The Hawks end with very winnable games against, but the damage was done here. Since we still don’t know about Robertson’s return, the offense is clearly not the same, and the defensive concerns are still present, I’m dropping Monmouth from 10th to 22nd. The Hawks are at North Carolina A&T (2-8) next week.

23. Dartmouth (6-2) – Dartmouth is back in the top 25 this week after surviving a late push from Princeton to win 20-17. They have an interesting résumé too, with wins against New Hampshire (6-4), Central Connecticut State (7-3), and Yale (6-2). Their losses are to Harvard (8-0) and Penn (5-3). Next week’s game is at home against a streaking Cornell (4-4) team that started 0-4 and looked terrible, but has won four in a row after defeating Penn 39-17. The final game is at Brown (3-5). Will Dartmouth have a shot to make the playoffs as an at-large team with this résumé? I think they’ll have an excellent chance, but they have to finish 8-2.

24. Yale (6-2) – The Bulldogs defeated Brown 34-22 and cracked the top 25 this week. They don’t have as strong of a résumé as Dartmouth, with wins against Brown (3-5), Columbia (1-7), Cornell (4-4), Holy Cross (1-9), Penn (5-3), and Stonehill (3-7). The two losses were in back-to-back weeks on the road against Lehigh (10-0) and Dartmouth (6-2). Yale ends with a road game at Princeton (3-5) next week and The Game at home versus Harvard (8-0). Yale still controls its destiny to win the Ivy League AQ Bid, but needs to win out.

25. Grambling State (7-3) – The Tigers are in the top 25 for the first time this season after defeating Bethune-Cookman 31-23. Grambling State has been cutting it close the entire year, with 7 of its 10 games being decided by one possession. The big win for GSU was the Jackson State matchup two weeks ago. The Tigers will face Alcorn State (4-6) on the road next week.

Teams That Dropped Out, Other Notables, and FCS Playoff Top 10 Thoughts

Southeastern Louisiana was ranked #21 last week, but fell out after losing to Lamar. The Cardinals left the door open for SELA to win, but the Lions couldn’t fully capitalize on the turnovers and mistakes by Lamar. This was a winnable game and the chance for a second good win has disappeared. SELA will need to avoid a loss to Incarnate Word (4-6) or Nicholls (3-7) to remain in contention for a possible three-way split in the Southland or a possible at-large bid.

South Dakota State has dropped off my ballot after being #22 last week. I crushed them pretty heavily after the Indiana State loss (dropping them from 6 to 22), but SDSU isn’t a top 25 team right now. They had 86 total yards in the second half against South Dakota and were shut out in the final 30 minutes. I know it was at USD, Chase Mason was out once again, and the team looked better than last week. However, SDSU still played undisciplined, the second half was uninspiring, and I hold injuries against teams, especially when their absence alters the team’s performance. (See Monmouth, which I had behind Villanova for the last few weeks despite Monmouth having the H2H win. Monmouth didn’t have Robertson against a solid New Hampshire team and lost by 21 points). The Jacks better right the ship because they could end the season on a five-game losing streak and miss the playoffs. I see the road wins against Montana State and Youngstown State, but those mean very little when the team is noticeably worse now than at any point in the season. SDSU faces Southern Illinois (6-4) next week.

Western Carolina drops from this week’s ballot after being #23 last week. It was a heartbreaking 49-47 loss for the Catamounts against Mercer, a team I have in the top 5. Taron Dickens has been great this season, but WCU’s best win is against a 5-5 Chattanooga program. Currently, WCU isn’t a top 25 team for me. With two weeks left in the season, WCU is still fighting for an at-large berth. First things first, they’ll need to win both remaining games, which start at home next week against East Tennessee State (5-5).

Presbyterian was previously #25, but dropped out this week after a road loss against Davidson (2-8). Entering the game, Davidson’s lone win was against NCAA Division III Greensboro College, and Greensboro was 1-7 entering this week. Presbyterian didn’t have quarterback Collin Hurst, but the run game was strong enough (228 yards on 42 carries) that it should have been able to able to carry the day. Unfortunately, three turnovers and another three drives that ended on fourth down failures inside the Davidson 40 doomed Presbyterian. I think the at-large dream is over for Presbyterian, despite its win at Mercer to start the season. The Blue Hose will face St. Thomas (7-3) on the road next week.

The list of teams considered for the top 25 was extensive this week. In addition to the four teams that dropped out, Alabama State (7-2), Austin Peay (6-4), Central Connecticut State (7-3), Delaware State (7-3), New Hampshire (6-4), Prairie View A&M (7-3), South Carolina State (7-3), and West Georgia (7-3) were also considered.

A quick note on why Grambling State is ranked instead of Prairie View A&M, despite PVAMU owning the H2H victory and being higher in the SWAC East. I think GSU’s victory over Jackson State is the gold standard among the teams. If I rank Prairie View A&M over GSU, then I also need to factor in Alabama State, which owns the head-to-head advantage over PVAMU but lost to Jackson State, a team GSU beat. It becomes a circular argument because all three teams have a strong case for the last spot. Assuming that Jackson State and Prairie View A&M meet in the SWAC Championship, this one will play out by season’s end.

The Division I Football Championship Committee dropped its second and final in-season top 10 rankings. The rankings included games played through week 11 (Saturday, November 1). The top 10 were North Dakota State (1st last time), Montana State (4th), Montana (5th), Lehigh (7th), Tarleton State (3rd), South Dakota State (2nd), Tennessee Tech (10th), Monmouth (9th), Harvard (not ranked), and UC Davis (10th). I don’t have any issue with the top 5 teams. The Montana State-Montana debate will continue to rage on, but that will eventually be settled on the field.

As for spots 6 through 10… I can’t say I’m a fan of these. I’m usually the one parroting the same “it’ll work itself out” phrase each week, but I don’t understand SDSU at 6th. They were coming off a road loss to Indiana State and the status of Chase Mason is still unclear. I’ll readily admit, I was very harsh on the Jackrabbits after the ISU loss, dropping them from 6th to 22nd on my personal ballot. I can see the argument that they should be around 10th, if the committee feels the back-to-back losses are just a blip. The win at Montana State is clearly buoying them as well. If that game were played today, I don’t think it’s close, as SDSU is a noticeably worse team. Yeah, yeah, I know, you can only beat the teams you have on your schedule when you play them, but do you think they’ll weigh the Presbyterian win over Mercer the same when it comes to at-large bids? 6th was too high for SDSU and I feel further vindication in that opinion after the third straight loss to South Dakota.

The other inclusion that irks me is UC Davis in tenth. The loss to Idaho State was pretty damning and exposed some defensive issues I mentioned earlier in the season. Plus, that loss came after QB Caden Pinnick returned to the lineup. I think UC Davis’s spot should have gone to Mercer or Villanova. These rankings won’t matter in the end, most likely, but they can provide an anchor bias for the Committee when seeding teams. I mentioned it with Montana State and South Dakota State, but how the Committee sees teams now will impact the at-large bids as well.

Photo Credit to Lamar University Athletics