Written by Eric Martinez - The 2026 FCS football season is shaping up to be another battle among some of the subdivision's most established programs. With North Dakota State moving to the FBS level, the championship picture has opened up, creating an opportunity for a new team to establish itself at the top.

Here are five teams entering the season with legitimate national championship aspirations.

1. Montana State Bobcats

The defending national champions enter 2026 as the team to beat. Montana State returns a large portion of its offensive production and eight of its top 11 tacklers from last season's championship team.

Quarterback Justin Lamson, running back Adam Jones, wide receiver Taco Dowler, and offensive linemen Titan Fleischmann and Braden Zimmer give the Bobcats an impressive collection of returning talent.

The biggest questions come along the defensive line and at cornerback, but the overall roster remains one of the deepest in the FCS. Montana State has the experience and star power to make another run at the national championship.

2. Montana Grizzlies

Montana enters a new era following Bobby Hauck's departure, with Bobby Kennedy taking over as head coach.

Despite the coaching change and significant roster turnover, the Grizzlies still have some of the FCS's most talented players. Keali'i Ah Yat returns at quarterback, while Eli Gillman gives Montana a dynamic weapon in the backfield.

The biggest challenge will be replacing the entire starting offensive line and eight of the defense's top 11 tacklers. If Montana can quickly develop those new pieces, the Grizzlies have enough star power to compete for another Big Sky title and a deep playoff run.

3. South Dakota State Jackrabbits

South Dakota State remains one of the FCS's premier programs and enters 2026 with championship expectations.

The Jackrabbits were hit by injuries and transfer-portal departures last season, but several key players are returning healthy, including quarterback Chase Mason, wide receiver Lofton O'Groske, linebacker Chase Van Tol, and defensive end Reis Kirschenman.

SDSU was also selected to finish first in the Missouri Valley Football Conference preseason poll, receiving 28 of 36 first-place votes.

With much of its production returning, South Dakota State has a strong opportunity to bounce back and compete for another national championship.

4. UC Davis Aggies

UC Davis has quietly established itself as one of the FCS's most consistent playoff programs, reaching the quarterfinals in each of the last two seasons.

The Aggies return significant talent at the skill positions, including wide receivers Samuel Gbatu Jr. and Stacy Dobbins, tight end Winston Williams, and 1,000-yard running back Jordan Fisher.

The biggest question is at quarterback, where UC Davis must find a new starter. The defense will also need to take a step forward if the Aggies want to advance beyond the quarterfinals.

Still, the returning offensive talent gives UC Davis a legitimate chance to make its deepest playoff run yet.

5. Illinois State Redbirds

Illinois State may be one of the most intriguing teams in the entire FCS.

The Redbirds shocked the subdivision last season by reaching the national championship game as an unseeded team and becoming the first FCS playoff team to win four consecutive road games.

Now the challenge is proving that run wasn't a one-year surprise.

Illinois State returns four offensive linemen with starting experience, standout running back Victor Dawson, receivers Luke Mailander and Dylan Lord, and an impressive group of defensive playmakers led by All-American linebacker Tye Niekamp.

Quarterback, defensive line, and cornerback remain areas to watch, but the returning core gives Illinois State a strong foundation for another championship push.

The 2026 FCS season could be one of the most unpredictable in years. With North Dakota State no longer in the subdivision, the championship race has opened up, but Montana State remains the early favorite thanks to its returning production and championship experience. South Dakota State has the pedigree to challenge, while Montana, UC Davis, and Illinois State could make serious noise in the postseason. And with programs such as North Dakota, Tarleton State, Lehigh, Rhode Island, and Youngstown State also entering the season highly regarded, the road to Frisco should be anything but predictable.

One thing is certain: the 2026 FCS season has a new look—and a new opportunity for a champion to emerge.