The 2026 FCS football season is almost here, marking the 49th year since things kicked off back in 1978. It used to be called Division I-AA, but, well, times change.
With a new season on the horizon, let’s talk about the top 49 players who could shake things up. This isn’t some strict ranking, just a spotlight on names you’ll probably hear a lot—quarterbacks, defensive monsters, and more.
Plenty of these guys passed on transfer portal offers, sticking with their schools to chase a little glory. Here’s a look at who’s catching attention and why they matter.
Quarterbacks to Watch
Quarterbacks always grab the headlines, and 2026’s crop is no different. Beau Brungard from Youngstown State, last year’s Walter Payton Award winner, leads the group.
He’s got a shot to be the first back-to-back winner since Jeremiah Briscoe did it for Sam Houston State in 2016-17. That’s no small feat.
Top Returning QBs
Other quarterbacks you’ll want to keep an eye on:
- Keali’I Ah Yat from Montana
- Justin Lamson from Montana State
- Jerry Kaminski from North Dakota
- Chase Mason from South Dakota State
Ah Yat and Lamson both turned down chances to transfer, hoping to lead their teams to something big. Kaminski and Mason could be in for breakout years too, with Mason’s dual-threat style making him especially fun to watch.
Running Backs Ready to Dominate
This season’s running back group is loaded. Eli Gilman from Montana comes back as the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year, looking to keep that All-American momentum going.
Adam Jones from Montana State was a huge part of their championship push last year. He’s back for more.
Key Running Backs
Some other running backs to watch:
- Victor Dawson from Illinois State
- Chase Bingmon from Prairie View A&M
- Charles Pierre Jr. from South Dakota
- MJ Flowers from Tennessee Tech
Any of these guys could break open a game at any moment. If you’re betting on who’ll make the highlight reels, don’t sleep on them.
Wide Receivers Poised for Big Seasons
Every offense needs reliable receivers, and the FCS has plenty. Marquis Buchanan from Rhode Island led the FCS in receiving yards last year, so he’s definitely got people talking.
Top Wideouts
Other receivers who could light it up:
- Taco Dowler from Montana State
- Samuel Gbatu Jr. from UC Davis
- Chedon James from Idaho State
- Bugs Mortimer from Stephen F. Austin
Dowler brings championship experience, and Gbatu Jr. was right behind Buchanan in yards. James is back with Idaho State after some time away, ready to be a difference-maker.
Offensive Linemen Anchoring the Trenches
It all starts up front, right? Quinten Christensen from South Dakota State and Titan Fleischmann from Montana State are absolute rocks for their teams.
Key Offensive Linemen
Here are some other linemen to know:
- Liam Becher from North Dakota
- Joshua Sales Jr. from Austin Peay
- Erik Gray from Stephen F. Austin
- Desmeal Leigh from Youngstown State
They’ll be the ones keeping their quarterbacks upright and opening holes for those running backs. Not glamorous, but ask any coach how important they are.
Defensive Stars Ready to Shine
Defense wins championships, or so they say. Joshua Stoneking from Furman is a name you’ll hear a lot—he led the FCS in sacks and tackles for loss last season and nearly won the Buck Buchanan Award.
Top Defensive Players
Other defenders who’ll be making life tough for offenses:
- Lance Rucker from North Dakota
- Michael Wells from Youngstown State
- Andrew Huff from Lamar
- Camden Byrd from Richmond
Expect these guys to disrupt plays, force mistakes, and maybe even swing a few games by themselves.
Linebackers and Secondary Standouts
Linebackers and defensive backs? They’re the glue that holds a defense together. Tye Niekamp from Illinois State and Peyton Wing from Montana are two linebackers you can’t ignore.
Niekamp was a unanimous First-Team FCS All-American last season, which says a lot.
Key Defensive Backs
In the secondary, Rex Connors from UC Davis and Caden Dowler from Montana State are set to lead their units. Connors got a bit more eligibility and is back to anchor UC Davis’ defense.
Don’t forget these names, either:
- Abu Kamara from Yale
- Kam Sallis from Jackson State
- Christopher Jean from Central Connecticut State
They’re all playmakers, and if you’re looking for someone to come up with a clutch interception or a game-saving tackle, this is where you’ll find them.
Conclusion
The 2026 FCS season is shaping up to be a wild ride. There are 49 players to watch, and honestly, some of them could really shake things up.
Quarterbacks, defensive powerhouses—you name it, they’re in the mix. These athletes have both grit and raw skill, and you just get the feeling they’re ready to make some noise.
If you’re curious about the full rundown, here’s the complete list of 49 players to know for the 49th season of FCS football.
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