The 2026 football season is set to begin a week earlier than in previous years, thanks to a newly adopted 13‑week schedule that compresses the traditional timeline. Fans will notice the shift in calendar rhythm as the first Thursday of August kicks off what promises to be a packed slate of games across the Football Championship Subdivision.
One of the most talked‑about storylines involves North Dakota State, a program that has captured ten FCS titles in just fifteen seasons. After years of being the preseason favorite — even when falling short in the playoffs — the Bison are departing for the Football Bowl Subdivision’s Mountain West Conference, marking the end of an era that defined the division for over a decade.
Montana State’s Rise and the In‑State Rivalry
Montana State entered the preseason ranked No. 1, edging out its in‑state counterpart Montana, which sits at No. 2. The two teams are slated to meet in Bozeman for the regular‑season finale, a clash that could serve as a de facto championship preview and potentially set up a rematch in Nashville on January 11, where the FCS title game will be held.
The Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) boasts a deep field of contenders, with six playoff participants from the league a year ago and fifteen consecutive championship appearances. South Dakota State, currently ranked No. 3, enters the season as the defending champion from 2022 and 2023, while Illinois State holds the No. 4 spot. Four other MVFC squads also crack the top‑16 preseason rankings, underscoring the conference’s depth.
The upcoming schedule features several marquee matchups. In addition to the Bozeman showdown, the regular season will showcase non‑conference games that pit traditional powers against each other, including a notable contest where South Dakota State defeated Montana State last fall. The championship field will be selected on November 22, with the top sixteen teams seeded and the top eight receiving first‑round byes.
Key Players to Watch
Reigning Walter Payton Award winner Beau Brungard returns as the unanimous first‑team all‑FCS quarterback, having amassed 3,234 passing yards and 1,468 rushing yards in the previous season. Montana’s Keali’I Ah Yat led the division in passing yards with 4,070, while Montana State’s Justin Lamson combined for thirty‑eight touchdowns, splitting his time between 3,172 passing yards and 734 rushing yards.
Other standout performers include Rhode Island receiver Marquis Buchanan, who topped all FCS receivers with 1,337 yards last season. South Dakota State’s Quinten Christensen, a 2025 first‑team All‑American left tackle, anchors a strong offensive line. Defensive standouts such as Joshua Stoneking from Furman, who led FCS with 14.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss, and Illinois State linebacker Tye Niekamp, the MVFC Defensive Player of the Year with 160 total tackles, promise to shape the defensive narrative.
Additional talent to monitor includes Yale defensive back Abu Kamara, who earned All‑American honors with 76 tackles, three forced fumbles, and 3.5 sacks. Running back Eli Gillman from Montana contributed 1,540 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, earning Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Coaching Shifts and Their Implications
The coaching carousel has seen several high‑profile moves. Bobby Hauck, long‑time head coach at Montana, announced his retirement, opening the door for Bobby Kennedy to take the helm at Illinois. South Dakota’s Travis Johansen departed for a defensive coordinator role at Rutgers, while Matt Vitzthum was named the new head coach for the Coyotes. Meanwhile, Kevin Cahill, who guided Lehigh to back‑to‑back Patriot League titles, transitioned to become Yale’s head coach, with Rich Nagy succeeding him as defensive coordinator.