Fact Check: Are FCS teams part of the top 25 in college football?

Are FCS Teams Part of the Top 25 in College Football?

Introduction

The claim in question is whether teams from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) are included in the top 25 rankings of college football. This inquiry arises from the context of college football's tiered structure, where the FCS is distinct from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The FCS has its own ranking systems, and the question is whether these rankings are recognized or compared to the broader college football landscape, particularly the FBS rankings.

What We Know

1. FCS Rankings: The FCS has its own set of rankings, which are determined by various polls, including the STATS poll and the Coaches' Poll. These rankings are updated weekly during the season and reflect the performance of FCS teams based on their win-loss records and other metrics 124.

2. Top 25 Listings: As of the latest updates, several FCS teams are indeed ranked within the top 25 of their division. For example, the 2023 NCAA Division I FCS football rankings show teams like South Dakota State and North Dakota State consistently appearing in the top spots 19.

3. Polls and Methodology: The rankings are compiled from votes by media members and coaches at the FCS level. The methodology often includes factors such as team performance, strength of schedule, and head-to-head results 234.

4. Comparison with FBS: While FCS teams are ranked within their own division, they are not included in the FBS top 25 rankings. The FBS rankings are separate and typically feature teams from larger conferences with different playoff structures 59.

Analysis

The sources cited provide a comprehensive view of the FCS rankings, but they vary in reliability and potential biases:

• Wikipedia 1: While Wikipedia can be a useful starting point for information, it is not always a reliable source due to its open-editing nature. The information should be cross-referenced with more authoritative sources.

• NCAA.com 2: This source is credible as it is the official website of the NCAA, providing updated and accurate information about FCS rankings. However, it primarily focuses on the rankings without delving into the methodologies behind them.

• College Football Poll.com 3: This site aggregates various rankings and provides context about how teams are ranked. It is generally reliable but may reflect the biases of its contributors.

• WarrenNolan.com 4: This site offers detailed rankings and historical data, making it a valuable resource for understanding trends in FCS rankings. However, it is important to verify its data against official NCAA sources.

• The FCS Wedge 7: This site provides insights into the AGS Poll, which is another ranking system for FCS teams. It is less known than the NCAA's official rankings but can offer additional context.

• CBS Sports 9: This source is reputable and provides analysis and commentary on college football, including FCS teams. However, it may have a bias towards FBS teams given its broader focus.

The methodology behind the rankings, including how teams are evaluated and the criteria used, is crucial for understanding the legitimacy of the rankings. More transparency in the voting process and criteria would enhance the credibility of these rankings.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that FCS teams are part of the top 25 in college football is false when considering the context of the FBS rankings. While FCS teams do have their own top 25 rankings within their division, they are not included in the FBS top 25 rankings, which are separate and pertain exclusively to FBS teams. The evidence indicates that FCS teams are ranked among themselves, but this does not equate to inclusion in the broader college football top 25.

It is important to note that while FCS teams can achieve high rankings within their own division, the structure of college football maintains a clear distinction between the FCS and FBS. This separation is critical for understanding the landscape of college football rankings.

However, the available evidence has limitations, particularly regarding the methodologies used in ranking systems and the potential biases of various sources. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the context in which rankings are presented, as well as the differences between divisions in college football.

Sources

1. 2023 NCAA Division I FCS football rankings - Wikipedia. Link
2. FCS Football Rankings - Stats Perform FCS Top 25 - NCAA.com. Link
3. College Football Rankings - FCS | College Football Poll.com. Link
4. College Football FCS Top 25 Polls - WarrenNolan.com. Link
5. College Football Rankings 2025-26 - FCS Coaches Poll. Link
6. College Football FCS (Division I-AA) Standings - 2024. Link
7. AGS Poll: Final 2023 Top 25 Results - The FCS Wedge. Link
8. NCAA FCS Power Ratings - Donchess Inference Index. Link
9. College football top 25: Defending champion South Dakota State leads ... Link
10. FCS Football Rankings. Link