Haley has UR outside Top 25-no surprise
Nova,URI,UD,WM,Elon in Top 25
Athlon Sports' Preseason FCS Top 25 for 2022
Defending FCS champion North Dakota State is again the team to beat in the subdivision but rival South Dakota State not far behind in the preseason Top 25.
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8. Villanova
(10-3, 7-1 CAA)
The new largest FCS conference (13 teams in 2022, 14 in '23) may have the best title race. Quarterback Connor Watkins takes over the defending co-champ's offense, and it's experienced up front with playmakers in wide receivers Rayjoun Pringle and Jaaron Hayek and running backs DeeWil Barlee and Jalen Jackson. Transfer linebackers Danny Damico (UAlbany) and Antonio Montero (Rice) will make an impact.
14. Rhode Island
(7-4, 4-4 CAA)
The Rams' seven wins were the most since they had eight in 2001. They are strong in the trenches, which is welcome news to quarterback Kasim Hill and the running backs, including Kevin Brown Jr. back from injury, plus for cornerback Jordan Jones (five interceptions) and safety O'Neil "Buzz" Robinson to operate on the back end of the defense.
20. Delaware
(5-6, 3-5 CAA)
Ryan Carty, the offensive coordinator of Sam Houston's 2020 national championship squad, is now guiding his alma mater. His Blue Hens have a stout defense behind linebacker Johnny Buchanan and defensive backs Kedrick Whitehead and Noah Plack. Quarterback Nolan Henderson, who's 10-2 as a starter the last two seasons, is healthy again and ready to connect with wide receivers Thyrick Pitts and Jalyn Witcher.
23. William & Mary
(6-5, 4-4 CAA)
A 6-2 start followed by an 0-3 November reminds the Tribe about the need for closers. They return 10 defensive starters, led by All-America end Nate Lynn off a 12-sack campaign. Head coach Mike London has two quarterbacks, Darius Wilson and Hollis Mathis, capable of operating the CAA's top-ranked rushing attack, which returns versatile Bronson Yoder, Donavyn Lester, and Malachi Imoh.
25. Elon
(6-5, 5-3 CAA)
The signing of former NC State/Montana State quarterback Matt McKay was an attention grabber for a lineup that returns veterans in the skills positions, including All-CAA wide receiver Jackson Parham. Safeties Cole Coleman and Omar Rogers and defensive end Torrence Williams highlight the nine returning defensive starters.