Bison reclaim top spot in FCS Computer Rankings

September 2, 2025 by CollegeFootballPoll.com staff

North Dakota State is back in a familiar spot as the No.1 team in the FCS Congrove Computer Rankings at CollegeFootballPoll.com, which were released early Tuesday morning after the completion of the long Labor Day weekend schedule that included 89 games involving FCS programs and 91 that featured FBS teams.

The Bison opened their season with a 31-0 road win over The Citadel on Saturday, while then-No.1 UC Davis rallied for a 31-24 win at Utah Tech. The Aggies tried to open their season a week earlier against Mercer in the FCS Kickoff game but saw that game end in an agreed "No Contest" after lightning halted it with under 8 minutes to play in the game and UC Davis leading 23-17. Mercer had been rallying in the second half, but couldn't continue that momentum into this past weekend's game as the then-No. 19 Bears were upset 15-10 at home by Presbyterian. The Blue Hose were 21.5-point dogs while the computer favored Mercer by just 8.11.

UC Davis drops to second while Mercer tumbles all the way down to No. 42.

Tarleton State moves up four spots to No. 3 with its 30-27 double-overtime upset victory at FBS member Army, followed by idle Villanova at No. 4. The Wildcats open their season this week as a 26.80-point computer pick at home against Colgate, a 42-39 loser at home to Monmouth.

Lehigh drops a spot to 5th, despite a 21-14 home win over new Patriot League member Richmond, formerly of the CAA. The Spiders, who entered that game ranked 30th, fall to No. 37.

Then-No. 3 Montana State was crushed 59-13 at FBS computer No. 1 Oregon and fall to No. 6 this week.

South Dakota State checks in at No. 7 after giving new head coach Dan Jackson a debut 20-3 win at home over Sacramento State and new head coach Brennan Marion. Jimmy Rogers left the Jackrabbits to fill the opening at FBS Washington State. Marion replaced Andy Thompson who resigned to join former HC Troy Taylor at Stanford. Taylor was later fired from Stanford, but Thompson was retained by new interim head coach Frank Reich as his defensive coordinator.

Jackson State climbs four spots to No. 8 after opening with a 28-14 win at home over Hampton, while Drake and New Hampshire round out the top ten.

See all of the week's Picks, Scores and Final Odds.