Fear The FCS 2025 Week 12 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 12 games. The week 11 submission can be found here.

General Thoughts

While there weren’t many upsets this week, there were a lot of close games involving Top 25 teams, which made an already muddled picture more difficult to assess. I made some changes in the top 10, while the bulk of the shifting was near the bottom of the poll.

Week 12 Top 25

1. North Dakota State (11-0) – The Bison took care of business at home against Northern Iowa, winning 48-16. Cole Payton had 286 total yards and 3 TDs (1 passing, 2 rushing), while the defense held UNI to 201 total yards of offense. It wasn’t a perfect game, but it was noticeably better than the last two weeks, albeit against weaker opposition. The Bison remain in the top spot. North Dakota State finished the MVFC slate 8-0 and will have its final non-conference game next week against St. Thomas (7-4).

2. Montana State (9-2) – MSU needed a bit of time to get going against UC Davis, but took the lead in the second quarter and went on to win 38-17. The run game was key for the Bobcats, totaling 233 yards and 3 TDs on 32 carries (7.3 average). Even though the defense allowed 17 points and had a pick six, it gave up a lot of yards (424). That’s something they’ll want to prevent next week and MSU holds onto the second spot. The Bobcats will play at Montana (11-0) next week with the Big Sky AQ bid on the line.

3. Montana (11-0) – The Grizzlies started a bit slow against Portland State, but ultimately didn’t have much of an issue. PSU led 7-0, followed by a missed field goal from Montana, but the Grizzlies scored touchdowns on the following two drives and built a 21-10 halftime lead. Unlike many games earlier this season, the offense didn’t disappear in the second half, scoring 42 points in the final half en route to a 63-17 victory. Montana will welcome Montana State (9-2) to Missoula next week for the Brawl of the Wild. The winner will earn the Big Sky’s AQ bid and likely secure the #2 seed in the FCS Playoffs.

4. Lehigh (11-0) – Lehigh continued its undefeated season, dispatching Colgate 27-7. The rush defense was stout as usual, allowing only 60 yards on 19 carries (3.2 average). Lehigh’s passing offense was more effective than its rushing attack. Hayden Johnson threw for 259 yards and a TD on 17 of 25 passing, while the rushing game had 134 yards on 35 carries (3.8 average). The Mountain Hawks stay in fourth and will be on the road next week at Lafayette (8-3), where the winner earns the Patriot League’s AQ bid to the FCS Playoffs.

5. Mercer (9-1) – After last week’s incredible game against Western Carolina, Mercer took it to Chattanooga in the 63-17 win. Braden Atkinson threw for 326 yards, 5 TDs, and 1 interception on 28 of 37 passing, while the ground game totaled 212 yards and 4 TDs on 28 carries (7.6 average). The Mocs could only muster 198 yards of total offense, in a much-improved performance by the Mercer defense. The Bears already wrapped up the SoCon AQ bid and have finished 8-0 in conference play for the first time in program history. Mercer remains in fifth this week and will have a road trip to Auburn (4-6) to finish the regular season.

6. Tarleton State (10-1) – After losing to Abilene Christian two weeks ago, Tarleton State dismantled North Alabama. The Texans faced very little resistance from UNA, as Victor Gabalis threw for 282 yards and 4 TDs on just 12 of 16 passing in only one half of work. He did throw 2 interceptions and the run game wasn’t great with 134 on 36 carries (3.7 average). The defense allowed only 145 total yards of offense and forced six turnovers in the 61-0 win. Tarleton State moves up two spots this week. The Texans are already in the FCS playoffs at this point and could win the UAC AQ bid with a win at home against Austin Peay (7-4) and an Abilene Christian loss next week.

7. Tennessee Tech (10-1) – Tennessee Tech’s undefeated season ended at the hands of Kentucky this week after the 42-10 loss. The Golden Eagles didn’t look as sharp this week, which is expected against an SEC program. TTU has already clinched a share of the OVC-Big South title, but the AQ bid is still up for grabs. The Golden Eagles fall one spot to seventh, as I feel that Tarleton State is a bit better. Tennessee Tech will host UT Martin (6-5) next week in the de facto OVC-Big South title game.

8. Harvard (9-0) – Harvard’s dream season stayed alive in amazing fashion against Penn. The Crimson led 42-33 with less than 4 minutes to go, but saw the lead erased by Penn. With 22 seconds left, the Quakers hit a field goal to take a 43-42 lead, but a quick drive allowed Kieran Corr to nail a 53-yarder to end the game and give Harvard the 45-43 victory. I mentioned last week that Harvard looked very suspect in the fourth quarter against Columbia when the game was well in hand and that trend continued throughout the entire game versus Penn. Harvard drops one spot this week, with Tarleton State jumping two places. Harvard has one final game – The Game – on the road against Yale (7-2), where the winner receives the Ivy League’s AQ bid.

9. Rhode Island (9-2) – Rhody got out to a 14-7 lead and didn’t look back against Maine on the way to a 45-13 win. Antwain Littleton Jr. ran for 202 yards and 2 TDs on 21 carries (9.6 average), while Devin Farrell threw for 221 yards and 2 TDs. The defense held Maine to just 45 yards rushing on 28 carries (1.6 average). URI moves ahead of Villanova this week thanks to the latter’s scare. The Rams will enter the final week needing only a win at home against Hampton (2-9) to secure the CAA’s AQ bid.

10. Villanova (8-2) – The Wildcats needed OT to stave off an upset against Stony Brook. A late field goal by the Seawolves tied the game at 24 and they opened the OT frame with another FG to take a 27-24 lead. Pat McQuaide’s 17-yard TD pass to Antonio Johnson gave the Wildcats the 30-27 walk-off victory. McQuaide had 280 yards and 4 TD passes on 18 of 30 passing. This was one of those games that leaves some doubt about Villanova and they fall one spot to 10th. The Wildcats have finished CAA play at 7-1 and will welcome Sacred Heart (8-3) next week.

11. Abilene Christian (7-4) – ACU had a real tough time on the road against Eastern Kentucky. EKU took a 10-6 lead near the midway point of the 4th quarter, which ACU responded to by hitting a FG to cut the deficit to 10-9. The defense then forced a fumble and ACU scored a TD to eventually win 17-10. ACU held EKU to 165 yards of total offense, 8 first downs, and 2 of 12 on third down… and still almost lost. However, ACU did win its second road game this season and will need to do so again next week at Central Arkansas (3-8) to win the UAC’s AQ bid. The Wildcats stay in 11th ahead of Stephen F. Austin.

12. Stephen F. Austin (9-2) – Stephen F. Austin won the battle for the Southland Conference at home after defeating Lamar 26-15. The offense was effective against Lamar, although they were forced to settle for 5 field goal attempts (4 made). The defense kept Lamar bottled up for most of the game, holding the Cardinals to 258 yards of total offense. SFA moves up two spots this week after the win, but remains behind Abilene Christian, who defeated SFA early in the season. This week’s victory gave SFA the Southland AQ bid to the FCS playoffs and they’ll win the conference outright with a victory next week against Northwestern State (1-10).

13. Youngstown State (7-4) – Indiana State made life very difficult for Youngstown State… in the first half. It was a very good first half offensively for ISU, but YSU led 31-26 at the break. In the second half, the defense shut down ISU’s Rashad Rochelle and Beau Brungard took over to win 48-29. Brungard finished with 354 yards and 6 TDs of total offense. The defense will want to work on stopping the pass because Rochelle had 224 yards and 3 TDs on just 6 receptions. I think YSU has done just enough to make the playoffs at this point, but they’ll want to leave no doubt with a road victory next week against Northern Iowa (3-8). YSU is down one spot to make room for Stephen F. Austin.

14. South Dakota (8-4) – South Dakota rallied from a 31-14 second half deficit to take a 34-31 lead with 70 seconds left in the game versus Southern Illinois. The game would continue for 5 overtimes, as USD outlasted SIU 53-51. Aidan Bouman had 300 yards and 5 TD passes on 21 of 30 passing, while Carson Fletcher (104 yards) and L.J. Phillips Jr. (92 yards) led the rushing attack. The positives for USD were the victory and the offense looked good. The bad was the defensive lapses that put them behind by three scores. The regular season is finished for South Dakota and I’d say they are in the playoffs at this point. The Coyotes drop a spot this week to 14th, while SFA moves up.

15. North Dakota (7-4) – Things looked very concerning for North Dakota in the first half against Murray State. The Fighting Hawks trailed 9-7 at half, but showed up in the final 30 minutes to win 35-17. The defense held Murray State to 118 yards of offense in the second half, with 63 of those coming on the MSU TD drive. North Dakota may have done enough already to secure an at-large berth with wins against Southern Illinois and Youngstown State… but they can end all doubt and eliminate a rival in South Dakota State (7-4) next week at home. North Dakota moves up one spot this week.

16. Lafayette (8-3) – The Leopards could never quite pull away from Richmond, which led to a nervy ending. The Spiders had the ball inside Lafayette’s 20-yard line with less than a minute left and all four downs, but failed to complete a pass. Lafayette held on for the 35-28 win and didn’t spoil Kente Edwards‘ 265-yard, 2 touchdown rushing performance. It might be win or stay home for Lafayette next week with Lehigh (11-0) coming to town and the Patriot League AQ bid on the line. Lafayette moves just outside the top 15 this week.

17. Illinois State (8-3) – Illinois State made the most of several early mistakes against South Dakota State to build up a 35-0 lead and cruise to a 35-21 win. The third quarter featured four punts and no scoring, while SDSU tried to mount a late comeback, but couldn’t string together consecutive scoring drives. For ISU, I think they’re in the FCS playoffs as an at-large and they’ll have a chance for a ninth win next week against Southern Illinois (6-5). I moved the Redbirds up three spots this week.

18. Monmouth (9-2) – For the first time since Derek Robertson‘s injury, the offense looked good. Frankie Weaver threw for 428 yards and 6 TDs, while Rodney Nelson rushed for 163 yards and 3 TDs. Now I get to be Debbie Downer: the game was against North Carolina A&T, which has given up 60+ points in four games this year (3 against the FCS and 1 against the FBS). The real issue is that the Hawks can’t unring the bell of losing against the one solid team its faced without Robertson. Many others will have Monmouth way higher, citing the Robertson injury, but I can’t overlook that and the New Hampshire result. Monmouth is obviously going to make the FCS playoffs and I move them up four spots this week. The Hawks will finish the regular season at home versus Albany (1-10) next week.

19. Jackson State (8-2) – The Tigers were never able to put Bethune-Cookman away until late in the game, when B.J. Washington returned an interception 82 yards to the house for the 28-13 final. Jackson State was lethal on the ground, racking up 360 rushing yards and 2 TDs on 52 carries (6.9 average). Ahmad Miller (118 yards), Donerio Davenport (106 yards and 1 TD), and Travis Terrell Jr. (103 yards and 1 TD) ran wild. You probably wouldn’t have thought it was an 8-point game with that rushing attack (520 yards of offense for JSU). Jackson State still controls its destiny for the SWAC East title, holding the all-important head-to-head tiebreaker against Alabama State. The Tigers stay at 19 and will be at home next week against Alcorn State (5-6).

20. Dartmouth (7-2) – Dartmouth was able to put away a resurgent Cornell squad this week in the 24-14 win. The Big Green couldn’t stop the pass, giving up 37 completions, 328 yards, and a TD on 45 attempts. Cornell’s rushing game was stymied (41 yards on 17 carries). For Dartmouth, the script was the opposite: the run game had 254 yards and 3 TDs on 45 carries (5.6 average). D.J. Crowther had 197 yards and 2 TDs on 31 carries. While I personally would have Dartmouth in the field as an at-large team right now (before the Harvard-Yale game), I don’t think many others would. Remember, Dartmouth has wins against Central Connecticut State, New Hampshire, and Yale. The Big Green move up three spots and crack the top 20 this week. Of course, a lot can change in a week and Dartmouth still has to beat Brown (4-5) on the road to have any shot.

21. Lamar (8-3) – The Cardinals couldn’t find enough offense to keep up with Stephen F. Austin and dropped their chance at winning the conference title. I’ve harped on Lamar’s shortcomings before, but it bears repeating: they have a slim margin for error. The wins against South Dakota, Southeastern Louisiana, and UTRGV should be enough to see them receive an at-large bid… as long as they don’t lose to McNeese (4-7) at home next week. I keep Lamar in the poll this week, but drop them six spots.

22. Yale (7-2) – The Bulldogs managed to get by Princeton this week, 13-10. It was a sluggish game and both teams struggled to move the ball, especially in the second half. Yale led 10-3 midway through the fourth when Princeton broke through to tie the game at 10. The Bulldogs responded with a FG on the ensuing drive, while the defense intercepted Princeton with 64 seconds left to seal the game. It was an ugly road win, but a win nonetheless. Yale moves up two spots this week. The Ivy League is in an interesting spot heading into the final week. A win by Yale will give them the Ivy League’s AQ bid and likely make it a 2-bid Ivy, with the possibility of a 3-bid Ivy as Dartmouth deserves serious consideration. A loss will mean archrival Harvard wins the Ivy League outright, the AQ bid, and may keep it only a 1-bid Ivy. For Yale, the only thing that matters is beating Harvard and making the FCS Playoffs.

23. Prairie View A&M (8-3) – It didn’t take long for the Grambling State-Prairie View A&M conversation to work itself out. The Panthers crushed Arkansas-Pine Bluff 56-9 this week, while Grambling State lost. PVAMU also clinched the SWAC East and will play in the SWAC Championship for the third time in five seasons. Against UAPB, the Panthers totaled 644 yards of offense, including 288 yards and 4 TDs on the ground (7.0 average). The Panthers are a very potent offense in the SWAC and will end the regular season at home next week against Mississippi Valley State (1-9).

24. UC Davis (7-3) – The Aggies had a good start against Montana State in the first quarter, but couldn’t keep the momentum going in the 38-17 loss. UC Davis was able to move the ball against the Bobcats, but couldn’t score enough to keep pace. Caden Pinnick had 234 yards and 2 TDs through the air, but also had two interceptions. One of those picks was returned for a TD and the other led to an MSU rushing TD. I drop UC Davis 6 spots after the loss. The Aggies have hit a rough patch to end the season and will need to take care of business at home next week against Sacramento State (7-4) to leave no doubt about the playoffs.

25. Southern Utah (6-5) – The Thunderbirds have played a very tough FCS schedule this season. They won the season opener against Idaho State and then lost five in a row, which included Northern Arizona, UC Davis, West Georgia, and Tarleton State. Since then, they’ve won 5 in a row, which includes wins against Aiblene Christian and Austin Peay. They end with a road game at North Alabama (2-9) next week and a win should put them in the at-large conversation. Whether the Committee actually puts them in the field remains to be seen.

Teams That Dropped Out and Other Notables

Southern Illinois (6-5) fell out of this week’s poll after being 21st last week. The Salukis lost a 53-51 five OT game at home to South Dakota, despite 392 yards of total offense and 4 TDs from DJ Williams. SIU sits at 6-5 overall and without a key win. They’ll need UT Martin to win the OVC-Big South AQ bid and defeat Illinois State to have an outside chance of making the FCS playoffs. I personally don’t think the resume is there for SIU, even with a road victory against Illinois State next week.

Grambling State (7-4) was ranked 25th this week, but fell out after a 27-16 loss at Alcorn State (5-6). The offense struggled to move the ball against the Braves, posting just 241 yards of offense and going 4 of 15 on third down. The lone touchdown didn’t even happen on offense – the defense had a fumble return that made it a 14-13 game. The Tigers still managed to take a 16-14 lead midway through the fourth quarter, but Alcorn State’s ensuing TD was enough to see them win (plus a late fumble return TD padded the final score). The loss handed Prairie View A&M the SWAC West title.

The consideration list was quite extensive this week, as only one team from Week 11’s list lost (Central Connecticut State). Alabama State (8-2), Austin Peay (7-4), Delaware State (8-3), New Hampshire (7-4), Northern Arizona (7-4), Presbyterian (9-2), South Carolina State (8-3), and West Georgia (8-3) were on the short list of potential top 25 teams. As always, there are many ways to go near the bottom of the Top 25, especially at this time in the season.

Photo Credit to Stephen F. Austin University Athletics