FCS Playoff Race Intensifies as Teams Eye Championship

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The 2025 FCS season enters its final weeks with heated competition as teams jockey for playoff berths. With just three weeks left in the regular season, three CAA teams are in the top 10 of the AFCA Coaches Poll, all eager for a playoff push.

Sixth-ranked Monmouth returns home on Nov. 8 following a six-game winning streak, with hopes of grinding out their first CAA football championship. The Hawks hope to welcome back quarterback Derek Robertson, who has been sidelined since his injury on Oct. 18 against Stony Brook. In his absence, Frankie Weaver has stepped up under center.

Running back Rodney Nelson has also been instrumental, leading the nation with 1,482 rushing yards. Monmouth’s defense has come on strong, notably limiting opponents to just 10 points against Hampton and seven against Bryant. The Hawks’ formula of effective rushing and stout defense may serve them well against New Hampshire, a team vulnerable to the run.

Rhode Island remains undefeated in conference play and comes off a bye as they prepare to face Elon. The Rams are riding a three-game winning streak and will finish the season with back-to-back road games.

Villanova, another top-10 team, is hot on the heels of Monmouth and Rhode Island with a five-game win streak. The Wildcats, boasting a solid defense, limited their past three opponents to under 21 points as they prepare to visit Towson.

North Carolina A&T, however, faces a challenging setback after a recent blowout loss to Towson. Their upcoming game against Stony Brook could be pivotal in redirecting their 2026 season ambitions.

Meanwhile, Maine, after starting with four losses, is riding a five-game winning streak, recently defeating Stony Brook to push their record above .500. The Black Bears are keen to keep their momentum alive, but first must overcome a road test against Hampton, who will be seeking to bounce back after a string of disappointing performances.

In a battle between struggling teams, Bryant and UAlbany are set to clash. Both teams are winless in CAA play and looking for a breakthrough as they drop six and five-game losing streaks, respectively.

Other key matchups include Youngstown State against Southern Illinois and North Dakota facing North Dakota State, who remain unbeaten at the top of the MVFC standings. As the season nears an end, the significance of these games cannot be understated, with numerous teams fighting for playoff positioning and automatic bids.