The 2026 Stats Perform FCS Preseason All‑America Team has been unveiled, showcasing a record 101 standout athletes drawn from 53 institutions across 13 conferences.
Montana State emerges as the most represented program with eight selections, while South Dakota State follows with six, underscoring the depth of talent in the Big Sky and Summit League.
Key Returners
Among the returnees, quarterback Beau Brungard of Youngstown State, who captured the Walter Payton Award last season, headlines the first‑team list, joined by wide receiver Marquis Buchanan from Rhode Island and safety Rex Connors of UC Davis, who earned first‑team honors in 2024 despite playing only four games due to injury.
Other notable returners include linebacker Joshua Stoneking of Furman, offensive lineman Joshua Sales Jr. of Austin Peay, and special‑teams standouts such as kick returner Ja’briel Mace from Villanova and punt returner Bugs Mortimer of Stephen F. Austin.
The roster also features multi‑time All‑America selections like Tye Niekamp of Illinois State, who earned first‑team honors twice, and rising stars such as Caden Dowler and Titan Fleischmann, signaling a vibrant mix of experience and emerging talent.