How the playoff field changes and takes shape every week is fascinating. So after every weekend of games moving forward, I will predict what the bracket will look like.

Below are predictions for the seeds, auto-bids, at-large bids, the bracket, and which teams are on the bubble.

Notes

These predictions take current playoff resumes and all future scheduled games into consideration. 

This is through the eyes of the playoff committee and what I think they will do.

The seeds associated with teams won’t be the same as my Top 25 rankings. My poll ballot is ranking teams based on performances/resumes so far. This bracketology is projecting ahead.

The Field

2021-2023 Final Bracketology Accuracy: 22/24 seeds correct, 69/72 teams in the field correct

Seeds
1. Montana State
2. North Dakota State
3. South Dakota State
4. Mercer
5. Villanova
6. South Dakota
7. SEMO
8. UC Davis
9. UIW
10. Idaho
11. Chattanooga
12. Central Arkansas
13. Montana
14. William & Mary
15. Tarleton State
16. Abilene Christian

Auto-Bids
Big Sky – Montana State
Big South-OVC – SEMO
CAA – Villanova
MVFC – North Dakota State
NEC – Duquesne
Patriot – Holy Cross
Pioneer – Drake
SoCon – Mercer
Southland – UIW
UAC – Central Arkansas

At-Large Bids 
Ordered from most likely to least likely to get in. Seeded teams who are not their conference’s auto-bid will be at the top.

South Dakota State (seed)
South Dakota (seed)
UC Davis (seed)
Idaho (seed)
Chattanooga (seed)
Montana (seed)
William & Mary (seed)
Tarleton State (seed)
Abilene Christian (seed)
Rhode Island
Last 4 In
North Dakota
ETSU
Western Carolina
Stephen F. Austin

Bubble Teams Left Out
Ordered from the best chance to make the bracket out of this group to the worst chance.

25. UT Martin
26. Richmond
27. McNeese
28. Northern Arizona
29. Lamar

The Bracket

The FCS playoff bracket increased its number of seeded teams from 8 to 16 this year. Seeds 1-8 get a first-round bye, and seeds 9-16 will host first-round games. First-round matchups will still be paired up based on geography. But the second round will no longer be based on regionalization. The No. 16 seed will feed into the No. 1 seed, the No. 15 seed into the No. 2 seed, and so on.

The first round is still regionalized to save on travel costs. The committee tries to utilize as many bus trips (400 miles or less) as possible while avoiding regular-season rematches.

The committee avoids conference matchups in the first round if the two teams played each other in the regular season. However, if two conference teams did not play each other during the regular season, they may be paired up in the first round. Regular-season non-conference rematches should be avoided in the first round.

If a conference has four or more teams in the bracket, the committee can add an extra flight to avoid having all teams on one side of the bracket as long as it doesn’t impact or change the seeding.

The order of seeds is not determined by regionalization.

The Explanation

This section will typically have between 1,000-2,000 words breaking down each team, their current resume, and their future games and why it has a pathway to a seed, an at-large bid, etc.

Keep in mind that this bracketology factors in future games as well. So in this instance, I’m projecting Montana State will go 12-0 to earn the No. 1 seed. And I’m projecting NDSU to win the MVFC. Just to use those two as examples.

We obviously have a lot of games left, so this is going to be fluid and move around each week. Some will say doing a bracketology in October is pointless. Those people also probably aren’t fun to hang out with in social settings. It’s an entertaining exercise to see how each week of results shapes the playoff picture. And it also gives fan bases an idea of “This is where we’re at now, this is where other teams are at to keep an eye on, this is our remaining schedule, and if we win out or lose just one more game we can get a seed in this range.”

If a team is on the bubble, this will give those fans an idea of what teams to keep an eye on and where their resume is at. Same with Top 2 seeds, Top 4 seeds, Top 8, etc.

As we get closer to Selection Sunday, I’ll dive more into details on resumes, ranked wins, strength of schedule, upcoming games, etc. to explain why I think Team A will be the No. 1 seed, Team B will be the No. 8 seed, Team C is left on the bubble, and so on.

Here’s a look at what future bracketology story breakdowns will look like.

The post 2024 FCS Bracketology 1.0 appeared first on HERO Sports.

Lehigh has won playoff games, as has Fordham. In more recent years, Holy Cross ascended to the top of the Patriot League under coach Bob Chesney, who accepted the head coaching job at James Madison during the offseason. Now the torch seems to have been passed on to Lafayette, as the Leopards have built something very special.

That’s one of the great things about the PL – the parity. The teams are generally pretty balanced, and from time to time one will rise up and beat a playoff team that many FCS faithful don’t expect them to beat. Just ask the CAA, the conference that has been the victim most often when matched up with its Northeastern U.S. FCS brethren.

Programs in the Patriot League don’t take a lot of transfers, as will be seen below. They recruit right out of high school, have high academic standards, and their all-conference players don’t just shine on the field, they graduate and go on to big things.

Here’s a look at how we view things happening this year.

Preseason All-Americans

Via FCS Football Central

Lafayette (3) – RB Jamar Curtis (1st Team); OL Ryder Langsdale (2nd Team); DB Saiku White (2nd Team)

Teams Bringing In The Most D1 Transfers

Bucknell — 4 (4 FBS, 0 FCS)

Georgetown — 3 (3 FBS, 0 FCS)

Lehigh — 2 (2 FBS, 0 FCS)

Names To Know

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Jamar Curtis, Lafayette RB — The Leopards have one of their strongest teams in years and Curtis is a big part of it. The junior was a finalist for last year’s Walter Payton Award, given to the top offensive threat in FCS football – all classes. He was also the team’s kickoff return man as a freshman in 2022. It’s hard to believe he has two years left. He finished last year with 1,460 yards and 15 TDs and added another 2 TDs and 164 yards receiving.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYER: Saiku White, Lafayette DB — White, who hails from talent-rich Georgia, became a mainstay for the dangerous Leopards last fall and is expected to be a key part of what looks like a 2024 powerhouse at the Pennsylvania school. The senior strong safety became a team leader and picked up postseason honors, and Draft Scout lists him as one of the top strong safety prospects in the FCS. White finished the 2023 season with 77 tackles, 4 INTs, 8 passes defensed, and 5.5 tackles for loss.

TOP NFL PROSPECT: James Conway, Fordham ILB — Conway may be playing football in New York City for the Rams, but he’s a Nebraska native. It turns out he was the perfect fit for the Patriot League as he set a freshman record at Fordham with 131 tackles in 2021. He comes into 2024 with 386 career tackles – good for third all-time on the school list. The senior had 12 solo tackles with a TFL and a fumble recovery in the Rams’ win over FBS Buffalo. Keep an eye on Lehigh’s Mike DeNucci, too. The inside linebacker had 129 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles last year, and is one of the most highly regarded prospects in the Patriot League, at any position.

HERO Sports’ Predicted Order of Finish

1. Lafayette
2. Fordham
3. Holy Cross
4. Colgate
5. Lehigh
6. Georgetown
7. Bucknell

Lafayette is the clear-cut favorite in 2024, which is a contrast to last year when the Leopards rose up and surprised people – winning the conference and making the FCS playoffs. Last year, Holy Cross was supposed to dominate, but this year the unanimous No. 1 is Lafayette.

So why is the perch so high for the Leopards? One need look no further than the preseason All-Patriot League team the conference put together by vote. The Leopards feature a first-team QB (Soph. Dean DeNobile), RB (Jr. Jamar Curtis), WR (Jr. Eli Steward), and TE (Jr. Dallas Holmes). Couple that offensive firepower with two first-team offensive linemen in Sr. Ryder Langsdale and Brian Baucia and you can already tell that scoring points is going to be something to be expected in Easton, Pa.

The defense has eight starters back and three first-teamers in Soph./DL Jaylon Joseph, Sr./DB A.T. Ntantang, and one of the Patriot League’s top players in Sr./DB Saiku White. Statistically, the Leopards led the league in team defense (23.3 ppg.), while being particularly stingy against the run – posting a Patriot-best 123.1 yards allowed per game, a number that no other team came close to.

The real debate is – who is next? Who is the No. 2 team, preseason-wise? Take your pick, it is either a rising Fordham program or the most consistent team since COVID – Holy Cross. 

We are going with Fordham – by a hair. With 3,000-yard passer C.J. Montes back at quarterback, they have a great player to start with under center. Then when you get to the defense, you realize that may actually be the best side of the ball. Standouts Sr./DL Matt Jaworski and Sr./LB James Conway are quite the tandem returning, and they are joined by fellow preseason first-teamers Claudy Robinson and Nahlil Perkins.

Holy Cross will still have its aura of recent success but will have a new coach in place and will certainly be revamping some. Graduation and key transfers will have the Crusaders rebuilding a bit but make no mistake – this is still a serious contender because the players who return to this program aren’t accustomed to losing much.

That is the clear top three, and it is hard to see the next four teams beating any of the top three this year, to be honest. But the exact order of No. 4 through No. 7? That’s a key debate. Georgetown played stingy defense last year and has recruited well for years, Colgate actually knocked off league champions Lafayette, Fordham, and Lehigh to finish strong last year on a three-game win streak, but curiously handed Bucknell its lone Patriot win. Lehigh is rebuilding some, as is Bucknell.

No matter what, this should be an exciting season to see what happens in the Patriot League. Expect the unexpected and enjoy a true form of college football.

The post 2024 Patriot League Football Preview appeared first on HERO Sports.

More seeds result in less regionalization, more balanced early-round matchups, and more transparency on who hosts in the first round.

For a glimpse at the new format, we used the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Top 25 Media Poll and preseason conference polls to form a preseason bracket.

Keeping scrolling for the bracket

Seeds
Via preseason Top 25 media poll
1. South Dakota State
2. North Dakota State
3. Montana
4. Montana State
5. South Dakota
6. Villanova
7. Idaho
8. Sacramento State
9. Chattanooga
10. Southern Illinois
11. Central Arkansas
12. Furman
13. Richmond
14. UIW
15. William & Mary
16. UAlbany

Auto-Bids
Via preseason conference polls
Big Sky – Montana
Big South-OVC – UT Martin
CAA – Villanova
MVFC – South Dakota State
NEC – Duquesne
Patriot – Lafayette
Pioneer – Drake
SoCon – Chattanooga
Southland – Nicholls
UAC – Central Arkansas

At-Large Bids
Via preseason Top 25 media poll
North Dakota State (seed)
Montana State (seed)
South Dakota (seed)
Idaho (seed)
Sacramento State (seed)
Southern Illinois (seed)
Furman (seed)
Richmond (seed)
UIW (seed)
William & Mary (seed)
UAlbany (seed)
Last 3 In
UC Davis
Illinois State
Western Carolina

Bubble
Via preseason Top 25 media poll
Tarleton State
Weber State
North Dakota
Youngstown State

The Bracket

Instead of first-round host sites being determined by a combination of bid amount, revenue potential, facilities, athlete experience, and team performance, seeds 9-16 will host the remaining unseeded teams based on proximity. The No. 1 seed plays the winner of the No. 16 vs. unseeded matchup, the No. 2 seed plays the winner of the No. 15 vs. unseeded matchup, and so on.

The post A Look At The New FCS Playoff Format Using Preseason Polls appeared first on HERO Sports.

While the list you see below has players who can – and in some cases do – technically play at different spots on defense, this list is made up of players who at least some scouts see as more of an “outside linebacker” prospect. It’s an impressive and accomplished group.

So take a look, conference by conference, at some key players returning to the FCS level as OLB prospects.

RELATED: Best Returning FCS Inside LB In Each Conference

BIG SKY

Riley Wilson, Montana, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 53 tackles, 15 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, 6 hurries

Wilson was an immediate star on the defensive side of the ball for the national runner-up Griz. He has already turned the heads of scouts, being rated the third-best edge rusher in his class (2026) by Pro Football Focus, and he carries All-America honors into his second year in the FCS, as well as preseason All-Big Sky honors. While he started only two games, he played in 13 of the team’s 15 in the run to the national title game in January in Frisco (two were missed due to injury). He led Montana with 8.5 sacks and had a stat-crazy day against Northern Colorado when he posted 4 TFLs/3 sacks. In the national title game against South Dakota State, he had 5 tackles and a TFL. Before last year, he played in 16 career games at FBS Hawaii, mainly on special teams. 

BIG SOUTH-OVC

Ethan Stuhlsatz, Lindenwood, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 70 tackles, 3 hurries

Stuhlsatz made an instant impact last year as a junior college transfer, taking Second Team All-Big South-OVC honors and finishing fifth in the conference last year in tackles. He posted 10+ tackles in four games and forced two fumbles. Before last fall, he played at Butler Community College in Kansas, finishing with 24 tackles, two TFLs, and one INT in 2022 as a sophomore, including five tackles in the Heart of Texas Bowl, a JUCO postseason game.

CAA 

Brendan Bell, Villanova, Grad.

2023 STAT LINE: 89 tackles, 11.5 TFLs

Bell was named Second Team All-CAA by the league last year, ranking second on the team in tackles and leading the program in tackles for loss. He seemed to show brightest when the game was against the Wildcats’ toughest opponents, as he posted 14 tackles and an INT against New Hampshire, 12 tackles and a TFL against Delaware, nine tackles and three hurries in the FCS playoffs against Youngstown State, and seven tackles, a TFL and a forced fumble against South Dakota State in the FCS quarterfinals. And don’t forget the nine tackles and two TFLs against FBS UCF. He didn’t beef up his numbers against weaker teams.

IVY

Kadari Machen, Penn, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 56 tackles, 6.5 TFLs

Machen got stronger as the season progressed last year, starting in the final seven games at strongside linebacker – posting 8-tackle games down the stretch against Columbia and Cornell in Ivy League play. He finished third on the team in solo tackles and TFLs. He comes from a family of standout football players, as his father played at Stanford, one brother played at Georgia Tech, and another brother plays for Harvard. 

MEAC

Daylan Long, Norfolk State, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 41 tackles, 8 TFLs

Long was named to the All-MEAC Second Team in 2023, starting 10 games for the Spartans and playing some of his best football against FBS Temple (6 tackles) and the CAA’s Towson (5 tackles). He began his playing career at FBS Miami (OH) but transferred in and has now played in 21 career games for the Spartans. He plays the “Wing” in Norfolk State’s defensive alignment, and has already shown he can thrive in that spot.

MVFC

Amir Abdullah, Illinois State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 64 tackles, 14 TFLs, 9.5 sacks

Abdullah, a Chicago native, was named an All-American on several media outlets’ lists after last fall. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound stalwart is already being looked at by pro scouts and they seem to like what they see based on several ratings. He was one of the top statistical leaders in TFLs last year, and should only improve on those numbers. Also, keep an eye on North Dakota State’s Logan Kopp in the MVFC.

2024 Preseason Preview Central

PATRIOT

Frankie Monte, Holy Cross, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 66 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 hurries

It has been a special couple of years at Holy Cross, and Monte is just one of the reasons for it. He has already been named preseason All-Patriot League and was elected team captain by his teammates. He was second on the team last year in tackles, posting a career-high 13 tackles in the game against FBS Army. He has performed in 35 career games and will be relied upon heavily in 2024.

PIONEER

Aiden McKinley, Dayton, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 87 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 3 forced fumbles

McKinley, who hails from Kentucky, has already played in 21 career games and is only halfway through his career – yet he exploded onto the scene in 2023. He was named an honorable mention All-Pioneer Football League selection last year. He turned heads when he posted more tackles in his first career start against MVFC power Illinois State (15) than he did his entire freshman season of 2022 (14).

SOCON

Ray Coney, ETSU, Soph.

2023 STAT LINE: 47 tackles

Coney, a native of Ohio, made a name for himself nationally when he was named to the Phil Steele Freshman All-American team, as well as the All-SoCon Freshman team. Coming out of high school, he had the opportunity to play on scholarship at FBS schools like Army, Navy, Air Force, and Bowling Green, but the Buccaneers won the recruiting battle.

SOUTHLAND

Eli Ennis, Nicholls, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 44 tackles, 5 TFLs

This Alabama native has been a solid contributor from day one for the Colonels, already contributing 20 career games of service, 89 career tackles, and 15 TFLs. He was a Freshman All-American selection with several media outlets and a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award. His stock will only rise in 2024. 

SWAC

Jacob Williams, Texas Southern, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 106 tackles, 18.5 TFLs, 8 sacks

Williams led the team in tackles last year. He posted 62 tackles and had six TFLs the year before in 2022. He will surpass the 200 career tackles mark this year and may very well clear 300 by season’s end – and he is multi-faceted enough to man more than one defensive position, showing his versatility. Williams is among the top returning FCS leaders in TFLs and will be active all year. Also, keep an eye on Bethune-Cookman’s Dearis Thomas.

UAC

Demetrias Charles, Central Arkansas, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 72 tackles, 4 hurries

Charles is an interesting pick for this spot because he has proven himself playing on the inside, but pro scouting lists like Draft Scout actually like his potential at outside linebacker – so we chose to include him here as he is clearly one of the top linebacking talents returning in the UAC. 

The post The Best Returning 2024 FCS Outside Linebacker In Each Conference appeared first on HERO Sports.

The Leopards finished 9-3 last year, losing 36-34 at Delaware in the first round of the FCS playoffs.

Here’s a look at the 2024 Lafayette football squad.

Returning 2023 All-Conference Players (6)

First Team
RB Jamar Curtis
S Saiku White

Second Team
QB Dean DeNobile
WR Elijah Steward
OL Ryder Langsdale
DE Jaylon Joseph

D1 Transfer Portal Movement

Transfers Coming In From The FCS (0)

Transfers Coming In From The FBS (1)
Tony Harris (DB), App State

Transfers Lost To The FCS (5)
Taylor Smallwood (DB) to Chattanooga
John Olmstead (OL) to Maine
Mason Gilbert (TE) to Maine
Carl Smith (WR) to Robert Morris
Shaikyi Hannah (DB) to Valpo

Transfers Lost To The FBS (1)
Mike Barr (OL) to Duke

For more FCS coverage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Offensive Outlook

Lafayette returns eight starters on offense after scoring 30 points per game (No. 29 in the FCS), including its starting quarterback, All-American running back, top three wide receivers, and three starting offensive linemen.

Quarterback Dean DeNobile and running back Jamar Curtis lead the offensive unit. Curtis is coming off an All-American season after finishing third in the FCS with 1,460 rushing yards, including 15 touchdowns on 235 attempts, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. He is the Patriot League’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.

DeNobile was a Second Team All-Conference selection last fall, going 170/255 passing for 1,997 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions, plus 180 yards and six scores on the ground.

He’ll have his top three wide receivers back.

Elijah Steward was a 2023 All-Patriot League Second Team honoree, hauling in 52 catches for 738 yards and five touchdowns. Chris Carasia added 32 catches for 333 yards and five scores, and Carson Persing totaled 31 receptions for 306 yards and three TDs.

Six-foot-5 tight end Dallas Holmes is looking to step up after recording eight catches for 160 yards and two touchdowns.

Lafayette’s offensive line returns three starters and a fourth with significant snaps.

Ryder Langsdale (6’7″ 298 lbs) headlines the unit as an All-Conference selection and an All-American-level talent. Brian Baucia (6’2″ 314 lbs) and Reed Collins (6’5″ 303 lbs) are two more returning starters. While Matthew Sherer (6’7″ 290 lbs) didn’t start any games, he split reps with Collins at right tackle.

Defensive Outlook

Lafayette returns eight starters on defense and 11 of its 15 leaders in snaps. The Leopards allowed 23.3 points per game last season, ranking No. 30 in the FCS.

Saiku White is viewed as one of the best 2024 FCS safeties. He had an All-Conference First Team season last fall along with two All-American honors. White was PFF’s No. 4-graded FCS safety, totaling 77 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, four interceptions, and four pass breakups. In 2022, he had 84 tackles, one interception, and four pass breakups.

Neriyan Brown is the returning starter at strong safety. Last fall he had 44 tackles, two interceptions, and seven pass breakups.

The Leopards also return their two starting cornerbacks — Gabe DuBois and A.T. Ntantang. DuBois recorded 44 tackles and five pass breakups in 2023, and he had 42 tackles, one interception, and nine passes defended in 2022. Ntantang had 22 tackles and four pass breakups last fall. The year before, he racked up 39 tackles, two interceptions, and 12 pass breakups.

App State transfer Tony Harris adds depth to the secondary.

At linebacker, Preston Forney returns after tallying 73 tackles, eight TFLs, three sacks, and four pass breakups last year. Tim O’Hearn is an edge/LB hybrid, totaling 44 tackles, nine TFLs, 4.5 sacks, and seven pass breakups. Darien Riley registered 23 tackles and 3.5 TFLs as a rotational linebacker, and Reggie Thomas added 28 tackles and three TFLs.

Jaylon Joseph (6’2″ 238 lbs) headlines the d-line at defensive end. He was the Patriot League’s Rookie of the Year and a Second Team selection last fall. Joseph had 28 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, four sacks, and 10 quarterback hurries.

Terell Cannon (6’5″ 297 lbs) started 11 games on the interior, registering 25 tackles. Phillip Peiffer (6’5″ 276 lbs) played plenty of snaps as well, totaling 20 tackles and three TFLs.

2024 Preseason Preview Central

Lafayette Football Schedule

8/29 at Buffalo
9/7 at Monmouth
9/14 vs Marist
9/21 at Columbia
10/5 at Fordham
10/12 vs Georgetown
10/19 vs Sacred Heart
10/26 vs Holy Cross
11/2 at Bucknell
11/9 at Colgate
11/16 vs Stonehill
11/23 at Lehigh

Bold indicates Patriot League games

The post No. 20 Lafayette Football Preview appeared first on HERO Sports.

The poll was voted on by league head coaches and sports information directors.

Patriot League Football Preseason Poll

1. Lafayette (12 first-place votes)
2. Holy Cross
3. Fordham (1)
4. Colgate (1)
5. Georgetown
6. Lehigh
7. Bucknell

The post 2024 Patriot League Football Preseason Poll appeared first on HERO Sports.

While the list you see below has players who could also play outside, this list is made up of players who scouts see as more of an interior prospect at linebacker. It’s an impressive and accomplished group.

So take a look, conference by conference, at some key players returning to the FCS level as ILB prospects.

RELATED: Top 25 Returning FCS Linebackers Nationally

BIG SKY

Will Leota, Sacramento State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: At Utah Tech: 75 tackles, 4 TFLs

Leota is a Utah Tech transfer who picked up All-UAC honors last year. He turned heads early in the year when he posted nine tackles and a TFL against FCS national powerhouse Montana early in the year. Many of the Big Sky’s top interior linebackers from 2023 have moved on, and Leota could fill that void when it comes to postseason accolades.

BIG SOUTH-OVC

Bryce Norman, SEMO, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 87 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 5 sacks, 1 INT

Norman, an in-state product, led his team in tackles last fall in 10 games. He also posted 119 tackles as a sophomore in 2022 and 66 as a freshman in 2021 – so he’s no stranger to being productive and also has 22.5 career tackles for loss to prove it. He’s also a legacy, as his father Brandon was a two-time All-OVC selection at SEMO.

CAA 

Shane Hartzell, Villanova, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 91 tackles, 6 TFLs, 4 sacks, 1 INT

Hartzell, an in-state product, is considered one of the top FCS products at inside linebacker in the 2026 class by Draft Scout, and he’s been recognized as one of the top overall players in the FCS at the ILB position by several media outlets. He’s been a key contributor for the Wildcats for the past two seasons. The CAA is loaded with good ones this year.

IVY

Anthony Roussos, Columbia, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 93 tackles, 10.5 TFLs

Roussos, a Florida native, was selected a First Team All-Ivy League performer by several outlets last year and was second in the Ivy League in tackles (93 in 10 games). Considering that pace, he ended up being a top 10 performer in the nation in the FCS by averaging 5.7 solo tackles per game, while also standing out as one of the nation’s top inside/middle linebackers when it came to negative yardage plays (10.5 tackles for loss). His older brother Mike Roussos also has played at Columbia.

MEAC

Erick Hunter, Morgan State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 75 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 2 INTs, 3 sacks

Hunter was a member of several HBCU All-American teams in 2023, and he comes into 2024 at No. 10 in the school record books with 188 career tackles. He is an in-state product of Capitol Heights, Md., and is one of the Bear’s top individuals coming into this fall. South Carolina State’s Aaron Smith is also very special.

MVFC

Adam Bock, South Dakota State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 65 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 2 sacks in 10 games (due to injury)

Bock, an Iowa native, dealt with injury issues in both of the last two seasons, but when it comes to his play during the postseason – he’s been stellar. In both national championship seasons, he’s made plays through the FCS playoffs that were absolutely critical to the Jackrabbits’ finishes. Indiana State’s Garret Ollendieck and Illinois State youngster Tye Niekamp should also impress, among several good ILBs returning to the MVFC.

NEC

Gianni Rizzo, Duquense, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 68 tackles, 10 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 2 FF

Rizzo, a Scond Team All-NEC selection with multiple media outlets, is an in-state product out of North Huntington, Pa. He started all 12 games last year, including the first-round FCS playoff game where he recorded 11 tackles against the MVFC’s Youngstown State. 

PATRIOT

James Conway, Fordham, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 129 tackles, 6 TFLs, 2 FF

Conway may be playing football in New York City for the Rams, but he’s a Nebraska native. It turns out he was the perfect fit for the Patriot League as he set a freshman record at Fordham with 131 tackles in 2021. He comes into 2024 with 386 career tackles – good for third all-time on the school list. He had 12 solo tackles with a TFL and a fumble recovery in the Rams’ win over FBS Buffalo. Keep an eye on Lehigh’s Mike DeNucci, too.

PIONEER

Alex Herriott, Presbyterian, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 118 tackles, 9 TFLs, 2.5 sacks

Herriott, an in-state product out of Hanahan HS in South Carolina, is now fifth in school history for total tackles with 272 accumulated already with one year to go. He was a First Team All-Pioneer Football League selection. A starter since his freshman season in the fall of 2021, he posted back-to-back 16-tackle contests last fall against Marist and Davidson in conference games.

SOCON

Noah Martin, Samford, Grad.

2023 STAT LINE: 109 tackles, 14.5 tackles, 3.5 sacks

Martin, a Tennessee native of the prestigious Baylor School in Chattanooga, led the Bulldogs in tackles – by 40+ over the next player last year (Jaden Mosley with 61). He was the man in the middle. When he played against Auburn, he had five tackles, a TFL, and a QB hurry in the game, and against playoff-bound Mercer? He posted 14 tackles, a TFL, and a hurry. Mercer’s Isaac Dowling and Ken Standley and ETSU’s William McRainey are also good ones in the SoCon.

SOUTHLAND

Micah Davey, McNeese, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 153 tackles, 7 TFLs

If Davey’s name seems familiar, it’s because he’s the son of former LSU and NFL quarterback Rohan Davey. Micah has a fiery style of play and exploded onto the scene last year after turning heads as a freshman in 2022. He has flat-out turned out to be one of the nation’s top machines at interior linebacker and could very well turn out to be McNeese’s next pro draft pick – and he has two years of eligibility left.

SWAC

Rico Dozier, Alabama State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: At Arkansas-Pine Bluff: 128 tackles, 6.5 TFLs

Dozier, an Alabama native, has come home to complete his college career after spending three seasons at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, where he finished with 210 tackles and 17.5 sacks during that duration. He was named a First Team All-SWAC linebacker with the Golden Lions last year, and racked up 17 tackles in one game against Alabama A&M. Overall he had 10 or more tackles in nine of UAPB’s 11 games in 2023.

UAC

Kohner Cullimore, Southern Utah, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 73 tackles, 10 TFLs, 5 hurries

Cullimore, an Arizona native, is expected to be a key component of what makes the Thunderbirds’ defense work in 2024. He was an All-UAC performer as a sophomore last year, making the first team with some outlets.

The post The Best Returning 2024 FCS Inside Linebacker In Each Conference appeared first on HERO Sports.

The FCS is loaded with good ones, but we picked one per conference that we think will be pretty good this fall – and is likely heading towards heavy accolades come December.

Take a look, conference by conference.

RELATED: Top 30 Returning FCS Safeties Nationally

BIG SKY

Tyreese Shakir, Portland State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 53 tackles, 8 TFLs, 1 INT (5 career INTs, 14 career passes defended)

Shakir is a California native and has been a starter at strong safety or rover since his freshman season in 2021 – with 25 career starts to his name. Last year he posted big games against rivals like Eastern Washington (10 tackles, INT, etc.) and UC Davis (11 tackles) to help lead the Vikings. He’ll be critical in the secondary this year. Others like UC Davis’ Rex Connors, Idaho’s Tommy McCormick, Montana State’s Rylan Ortt, and Northern Arizona’s Alex McLaughlin are just a few of the other good ones in the Big Sky.

BIG SOUTH-OVC

Tim Coutras, Tennessee Tech, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 55 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 4 INT

Coutras began his playing career at Liberty University but came home to Tennessee after 2021 and 2022 playing at the Virginia school. Against FBS New Mexico last year, Coutras had a team-leading six tackles. Eastern Illinois is expected to have a good secondary, also, with players like SS Tienne Fridge leading the way.

CAA 

Caleb Curtain, Elon, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 80 tackles, 4 INTs, 6 passes defended, 6.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks

Curtain is an in-state talent who picked up several All-American honors last fall as a sophomore and is considered a pro prospect. He opened eyes in 2023 by returning an interception 50 yards for a touchdown against the ACC’s Wake Forest. 

IVY

Ty Bartrum, Harvard, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 78 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 3 INTs (1 TD), 4 passes defended

Bartrum, an Ohio native, was an All-Ivy League performer in just his first full season of action for the Crimson. He showed last year that not only could he be relied on as a hitter on defense (78 tackles), but he also could make a big play like with his 96-yard touchdown return off an interception against St. Thomas (MN). Penn’s Shiloh Means would also fit well here.

MEAC

Kenny Gallop Jr., Howard, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 65 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2 INTs, 3 passes defended

Gallop, a Virginia native, has been labeled a pro prospect for the defending MEAC champions. He’s no stranger to postseason accolades, being named an HBCU All-American in 2022 before picking up all kinds of honors last fall.

MVFC

Cole Wisniewski, North Dakota State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 8 INTs, 92 tackles, 13 passes defended

Wisniewski seems like he’s been making plays for the Bison for a decade now. The FCS’s No. 1 free safety prospect has already been in 47 career games in Fargo, picking up 194 tackles. Last year he led the nation in interceptions (8), taking one back 75 yards for a touchdown and racking up 239 total yards in interception return yardage. Another stellar safety is Keondre Jackson out of Illinois State, considered one of the – if not the – best strong safety prospects in the FCS this year. The MVFC is full of good safeties this year.

NEC

Kimal Clark, Central Connecticut State, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 89 tackles, 3 TFLs, 3 INT

Clark was an All-NEC First Team selection last year as a sophomore and is expected to explode from here on for the next two seasons. The New York state native tied for the NEC lead in tackles with 89 and will be leaned on heavily this fall at CCSU.

PATRIOT

Saiku White, Lafayette, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 77 tackles, 4 INTs, 5.5 TFLs, 8 passes defended

White, who hails from talent-rich Georgia, became a mainstay for the dangerous Leopards last fall and is expected to be a key part of what looks like a 2024 powerhouse at the Pennsylvania school. He became a team leader and picked up postseason honors, and Draft Scout lists him as one of the top strong safety prospects in the FCS.

PIONEER

Nick Bafia, Butler, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 65 tackles, 7 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 1 INT

Bafia, an Illinois native, has been a mainstay for the Bulldogs for two seasons now. He was a first-team All-Pioneer performer last fall and led his team in tackles as a junior. He showed he could play with the top teams in the FCS when he racked up 12 tackles against Montana and had six tackles against South Dakota State in 2022.

SOCON

Amir Annoor, Wofford, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 32 tackles, 6 passes defended, 1.5 TFL

Annoor, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound multi-dimensional prospect out of Tennessee, has played most of his Wofford career at cornerback. But to show how highly he’s regarded; he’s listed as the No. 2 free safety prospect out of the FCS by Draft Scout. He has started games for the Terriers since 2021.

SOUTHLAND

Tyler Morton, Nicholls, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 63 tackles, 4 INTs, 11 passes defended

Morton, an in-state product out of St. Rose, La., has been contributing since his true freshman season of 2021. He was recognized last year as an All-American by several media outlets, and his career stats (143 tackles, 6 INTs, 16 passes defended) prove he is a playmaker.

SWAC

Emari Pait, Alabama A&M, Soph.

2023 STAT LINE: 49 tackles, 4 INTs, 6 passes defended 

Pait began his career at Fresno State and he’s a California native, but he found his college home last fall with Alabama A&M. He’s a playmaker, active in the pass defense and forcing turnovers – while also being a reliable tackler when needed. An All-SWAC selection with several outlets last fall, he has a lot of college football left to play.

UAC

TaMuarion Wilson, Central Arkansas, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 64 tackles, 2 INTs, 8 passes defended, 5.5 TFLs

Wilson, an in-state product out of Bryant High School in Arkansas, has been productive since day one for the Bears. He has played in 41 games for UCA and is considered the No. 2 strong safety prospect out of the FCS by Draft Scout. Wilson and Eastern Kentucky SS prospect Mike Smith are just two of the special safeties residing in the UAC this year.

INDEPENDENT

Tre Jordan III, Merrimack, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 3 INTs, 27 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 5 passes defended in just 8 games

Jordan, a Maryland product, has played in 29 games for the Warriors and did so much in his eight games that he was recognized as an All-NEC performer. This year, Merrimack is an FCS independent, but Jordan will hardly slip under the radar if he keeps up the pace of what he’s done so far in college.

The post The Best Returning 2024 FCS Safety In Each Conference appeared first on HERO Sports.

Whether he’s a master of the interception, or he is a sticky-cover kind of guy – we’re going to take a look at the talent, conference by conference.

Take a look at the best CBs by conference.

RELATED: Top 30 Returning FCS Cornerbacks Nationally

BIG SKY

Trevin Gradney, Montana, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 5 INTs, 12 passes defended, 27 tackles

Gradney, an in-state talent from Billings, has been an All-Big Sky kind of talent for the Griz since he first got on the field in 2020-21. He started out as a special teams standout, and last year he ascended to become an All-American at corner. Draft Scout has him as the No. 3 cornerback prospect in the FCS this year. Gradney’s not the only good CB coming into 2024, as Idaho’s Abraham Williams and Montana State’s Jon Johnson are also highly regarded.

BIG SOUTH-OVC

Oshae Baker, UT Martin, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 49 tackles, 9 passes defended, 6.5 TFLs

Baker is a native Floridian – a hotbed for talented defensive backs. He has proven he is versatile, starting games at corner and safety during his special career with the Skyhawks. He also has been a special teams standout as a returner. One of his better games in 2023 was against Georgia (5+ tackles, forced fumble). Also a star? Eastern Illinois CB Kaleb Lyons comes to the Panthers after posting 6 INTs last year at Morehead State, and SEMO’s Joedrick Lewis is really strong, too.

CAA 

Isas Waxter, Villanova, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 26 tackles, 3 INTs, 4 TFL, 11 passes defended

Waxter missed the entire 2022 season with an injury but came back strong last year and ended up an All-CAA selection. He’s an outstanding cover corner and has turned heads with pro scouts. A New Jersey native, he has been a mainstay in the program – even starting two games for the Wildcats as a true freshman in 2019. The CAA also has New Hampshire’s Wande Owens and North Carolina A&T’s Karon Prunty.

IVY

Isaiah Reed, Brown, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 50 tackles, 5 INTs, 8 passes defended

A Florida native, Reed has been a contributor for three seasons and has another to go. He has caught the eye of scouts, but before he thinks about that, he has the chance to help the Bears have their best season in several years. Dartmouth’s Jordan Washington is also expected to be strong.

MEAC

Carson Hinton, Howard, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 50 tackles, 4.5 TFLs

Hinton, a Detroit native, was a key part of the MEAC championship season with the Bison in 2023. He started off the year with a 6-tackle game against FBS Eastern Michigan, and a few weeks later he had a special game against the Big Ten’s Northwestern (8 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack). He has even played some WR in his Howard career (11 receptions in 2021). Also, keep an eye on Carlvainsky Decius at Morgan State.

MVFC

Dalys Beanum, South Dakota State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 29 tackles, 5 INTs, 12 passes defended

Beanum, a Nebraska native, is listed as the No. 1 cornerback prospect in the FCS by Draft Scout coming into the 2024 season. He has played in 52 games in his career, has 11 career interceptions and 2 TDs, along with 29 passes defended. South Dakota’s Shahid Barros and Southern Illinois’ David Miller are also stellar.

NEC

CJ Barnes, Duquesne, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 60 tackles, 3 passes defended

Barnes has played at free safety for three years at Duquesne but was considered a cornerback prospect coming out of Lake Gibson HS in Florida when he was a recruit. He is considered a pro prospect at corner by some outlets, FS with others. Last year he started 11 games and helped his team reach the FCS playoffs – registering 10 tackles against Youngstown State in the first round.

PATRIOT

Nahil Perkins, Fordham, Grad.

2023 STAT LINE: 62 tackles, 17 passes defended, 3 INTs

Perkins will be a team captain this fall and is coming off of a First Team All-Patriot League season for the Rams. He’s a part of a solid secondary coming back. He led the league in passes broken up in 2023. The cornerback is a Georgia native. One of his top 2023 games was against FBS Buffalo (8 tackles, 6 solo).

PIONEER

Eric Haney, San Diego, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 41 tackles, 2 INTs, 5 TFLs

Haney is not only a solid All-Pioneer League cornerback for the Toreros, but he’s also a standout return man. San Diego played well in the final five games of 2023 and is looking to turn things around after a 4-7 season, and Haney will be a key part of that resurgence.

SOCON

CJ Williams, Western Carolina, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 59 tackles, 8 passes defended, 3 TFLs

Williams, an Alabama native, is 31 games into his Western Carolina career. He really broke out in 2023 and is respected as the No. 5 cornerback prospect in the FCS according to Draft Scout. WCU had a breakout year in 2023 and looks to take it another step this fall, and Williams will be relied upon there.

SOUTHLAND

Bruce Harmon, Stephen F. Austin, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 20 tackles, 9 passes broken up

Harmon, an in-state talent who played at Rockwall-Heath, opened up 2023 with six tackles and three passes broken up against FBS Troy and never looked back. An All-Conference selection last year in the UAC, he’s now in the Southland and will be a key member of any success the Lumberjacks have.

SWAC

Kendall Bohler, Florida A&M, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 39 tackles, 14 passes defended, 2 TFLs

Bohler, who hails from the Orlando area of Florida, began his college career at Mercer but has really blossomed with the Rattlers. He was a First Team All-SWAC selection for the HBCU national champs with several media outlets. 

UAC

A.J. Seay, North Alabama, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 25 tackles, 2 INTs, 6 passes defended

This Georgia native began his FCS career at Presbyterian and now is turning heads at North Alabama – with at least two years to go. He was listed as an All-UAC performer last year as a sophomore by Phil Steele Magazine. 

The post The Best Returning 2024 FCS Cornerback In Each Conference appeared first on HERO Sports.

While putting this list together – by conference – we took several variables into account. In some cases, individuals below starred at defensive tackle or Bandit LB because that’s what his team needed him to do, but he is viewed as a better pure prospect at defensive end. Keep that in mind.

There are still several special FCS defensive ends returning this fall. Take a look, conference by conference: 

BIG SKY

Elijah Ponder, Cal Poly, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 52 tackles, 13 TFLs, 10 sacks, 17 hurries

Considered a returning All-American by several outlets, as well as a potential NFL Draft pick next year, Ponder has racked up 19.5 sacks and 31 tackles for loss during his career so far and undoubtedly will flesh out those numbers considerably in 2024. He also showed how athletic he was as a redshirt freshman in 2021 when he returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown. There are so many good players to choose from in the Big Sky, starting with Ponder but also considering Brody Grebe (Montana State), Brayden Wilson (Weber State), and talented underclassman Marcus Howard (Northern Colorado) – just to name a few.

BIG SOUTH-OVC

Daniel Rickert, Tennessee Tech, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 49 tackles, 9 sacks, 14.5 TFLs, 3 passes broken up

Rickert will enter this fall as a redshirt junior and undoubtedly has an impressive two seasons ahead based on what he’s done. In 32 career games so far, he’s racked up 92 career tackles, 12 sacks, and 22 tackles for loss – and he was recognized on several all-conference teams last fall.

CAA 

Dylan Ruiz, New Hampshire, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 34 tackles, 8 TFLs, 4 sacks

Ruiz really made an impression last year when he posted 6 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack against FBS Central Michigan in a win – effectively costing CMU a potential bowl berth. He went on to play like that all year. In 2022 he was equally effective for the Wildcats – leading the team in sacks and hurries, and No. 5 in the nation in sacks per game. Ruiz’s college teammate Josiah Silver and Richmond’s Jeremiah Grant are also special in the CAA, just to name a few.

IVY

Justin Townsend, Columbia, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 29 tackles, 12 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, 3 passes defended

Townsend, a New Jersey native, was considered an All-Ivy League selection last year. After not playing as a freshman, which is very common at the Ivy League schools – which don’t use redshirts either – Townsend has racked up 21.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks coming into this fall.

MORE: 2024 Preseason Preview Central

MEAC

Elijah Williams, Morgan State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 50 tackles, 11 TFLs, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

Williams is considered one of the top defensive end prospects in the FCS right now, and his production in college shows you why. He has 162 career tackles, 37 tackles for loss and 20 sacks. The 6-foot-3 defensive end has all the physical tools that people at the next level drool over. Don’t forget South Carolina State’s Jared Kirksey either.

MVFC

Dylan Hendricks, North Dakota State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 40 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, 3 passes defended

Hendricks is a great example of what North Dakota State identifies when it goes recruiting. The Wisconsin native suffered through injury issues early in his career but last year burst onto the scene and will be counted on once again in 2024.

NEC

Jorel Liverpool, Wagner, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 41 tackles, 10 TFLs, 3 sacks

Liverpool stands 6-foot-7 and was listed as an All-NEC performer by several media outlets last year. He played in six games as a freshman in 2022 but really burst onto the scene in 2023. 

PATRIOT

Matt Jaworski, Fordham, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 44 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles

Jaworski has been extremely active for three years already at Fordham. Even in his freshman season of 2021, he was a pain in the rear for opponents. His career numbers (107 tackles, 26 TFLs, 17.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles) are impressive, and he was named an All-Patriot First Team performer last year.

PIONEER

Finn Claypool, Drake, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 57 tackles, 33.5 TFLs, 20 sacks, 5 forced fumbles

Claypool plays at Drake – which is officially non-scholarship within the Pioneer Football League – but last year’s conference title team got to play against some of the top scholarship FCS programs in national champion South Dakota State, North Dakota State (in the playoffs) and North Dakota. Claypool faced good competition and is considered a future pro prospect like Eric Saubert was when he was drafted out of Drake in 2017.

SOCON

Luke Clark, Furman, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 30 tackles, 7 TFLs, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

Clark stars at the Bandit position for the Paladins, but with his 6-foot-3, 235-pound frame he is obviously considered one of those multi-faceted players who could play on the defensive line or drop back into pass coverage because of his athleticism. He has had an impressive career (119 tackles, 17.5 TFLs, 12 sacks, 4 forced fumbles).

SOUTHLAND

Joe Mason, Nicholls, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 29 tackles, 6 TFLs, 4.5 sacks

Mason came over from Louisiana Tech after three seasons, playing in 25 games at his former school – posting a four-tackle game once against FBS Rice. Since transferring to Nicholls, he made a name for himself – becoming an All-Southland selection last year.

SWAC

Ckelby Givens, Southern, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 61 tackles, 21 TFLs, 7 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 8 hurries

Givens is a fascinating potential pro prospect with two years left of eligibility. He did enter the transfer portal briefly in December 2023 but pulled back when he realized he would also be discovered playing in the SWAC – as many prospects have found. Givens has put up big numbers at the defensive tackle position while at Southern, but he also is well-liked as a potential defensive end pro prospect.

UAC

David Walker, Central Arkansas, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 57 tackles, 18 TFLs, 8.5 sacks

Walker was an FCS national leader in tackles for loss and was named to several All-American teams by multiple media outlets. He originally signed with Southern Arkansas – a Division II program – but transferred to UCA before the 2022 season. A multi-dimensional player, he has starred as a Bandit linebacker – but has picked up accolades as a DL. Career numbers at UCA: 40 TFLs, 20.5 sacks. Don’t forget Utah Tech’s Syrus Webster – another big star at the position.

INDEPENDENT

Tyreke Brown, Sacred Heart, Grad.

2023 STAT LINE: 46 tackles, 10 TFLs, 2 forced fumbles

Brown was All-NEC last year before Sacred Heart moved to the FCS Independent ranks. He has 102 career tackles and 23.5 TFLs in 37 career games with the Pioneers.

The post The Best Returning 2024 FCS Defensive End In Each Conference appeared first on HERO Sports.