Northern Arizona University’s football team, the Lumberjacks, opened the 2026 season ranked No. 25 in the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Top 25, marking the second straight year the program has earned a preseason top‑25 berth.
A milestone for the program
The ranking follows a 2016 appearance in the poll before a multi‑year absence, underscoring a resurgence for a team that finished the 2025 season with a 7‑5 record and a second consecutive winning campaign.
The top 25 also features other Big Sky Conference members, with Montana State holding the No. 1 spot and receiving all 57 first‑place votes, while Montana sits at No. 2 and UC Davis at No. 6, highlighting the league’s depth.
Road schedule and broadcast highlights
The Lumberjacks will begin their campaign on the road, traveling to face Montana State on September 26, a matchup that will be televised on ESPN2, before heading to Idaho State on October 3 and concluding the regular‑season road stretch at Southern Utah on October 31. In between, NAU will host Montana on October 10, providing a key home‑field test against a top‑ranked opponent.
Coaching continuity and playoff aspirations
Head coach Brian Wright, now in his third season, has built on back‑to‑back seven‑win campaigns and says the team is focused on converting that momentum into a playoff appearance after missing the postseason in 2025.
With a blend of experienced leadership and fresh talent, the Lumberjacks hope to translate their preseason optimism into on‑field success, aiming to join the ranks of the nation’s elite FCS programs as the season unfolds.