In this decade we’ve seen two programs — Sam Houston in 2020 and South Dakota State in 2022 — win their first FCS national championship. Here’s a glimpse at which teams could break through next in 2026.

Illinois State

Illinois State finished as last season’s runner-up in the first overtime game in FCS championship history. The Redbirds have plenty of talent returning, like linebackers Tye and Dexter Niekamp on defense and running back Victor Dawson on offense. 

While replacing quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse will be tough, the path to the playoffs should be a bit easier. North Dakota State is gone from the Missouri Valley Football Conference, meaning the road could be clearer for a team that was in the last-four-in a season ago.

North Dakota

There’s only one FCS team in North Dakota now, and it’s the Fighting Hawks. Unlike its former subdivision counterpart, UND hasn’t had much postseason success, never winning more than one playoff game in a year. 

That could all change this fall with Jerry Kaminski at quarterback, returning starters across the offensive line and star edge rusher Lance Rucker. It’s a group that won a road playoff game last year. If they can build off their experience, they could climb up the MVFC standings.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the favorite entering the year in a new-look CAA, led by the top QB-WR duo in the FCS in Devin Farrell and Marquis Buchanan. The defense holds its own too with guys like linebacker Rohan Davy and the potential return of A.J. Pena. 

The Rams have a great shot at running the table this year, even when looking at a potential FBS upset of Temple. Yet this is a program that hasn’t made the FCS quarterfinals since 1984 and hasn’t made it past the FCS semifinals.

Forty-two years later, this edition of the Rams has a great shot at making history.

South Dakota

South Dakota has made the FCS quarterfinals in three straight years, with a semifinal appearance in 2024.

However, all of that success came with quarterback Aidan Bouman under center. One of the biggest question marks in Vermillion is who will replace one of the greatest QBs in program history.

The options are Nevan Cremascoli, Austyn Modrzewski and Jackson Proctor. Each brings something different to the table and will have big shoes to fill this fall. Whoever takes over at quarterback will benefit from the return of running back Charles Pierre Jr., an All-American talent before he missed last season due to injury. They’ll be on an offense under head coach Matt Vitzthum, the third coach in as many seasons for the Coyotes.

With new faces at quarterback and head coach entering 2026, South Dakota is far from a sure thing. USD will face key nonconference opponents to open the season that will put them to the test early. Yet, the Coyotes have shown in recent years that they can be consistent near the top of the FCS. With plenty of playoff experience on the team, this season could finally be the year where it all comes together.

Tarleton State

Tarleton State was the No. 4 seed in 2025 after being the No. 13 seed in 2024. The 2024 season was Tarleton’s first year of playoff eligibility, when it made the second round. In Tarleton’s second year of playoff eligibility, it made the quarterfinal round. 

This season will be Tarleton’s third year of playoff eligibility. After the Texans went 12-2 last year, could they reach even higher heights? They have reloaded through the transfer portal and should again be one of the top teams in the UAC.

UC Davis

UC Davis has back-to-back FCS quarterfinal appearances. UC Davis also had different quarterbacks leading both years. The Aggies will have a new signal-caller under center for the third consecutive year. But it might not be an issue thanks to weapons like running back Jordan Fisher, tight end Winston Williams and wide receiver Samuel Gbatu Jr. — a must-know players entering the 2026 FCS season.

The defense returns preseason All-Americans Rex and Porter Connors, too. UC Davis will have talent on both sides of the ball yet again. In a year where the Big Sky is coming off of a championship, UC Davis could have what it takes to keep the national championship trophy in the conference.