The latest FCS football rankings are packed with history, from a program reaching heights not seen in 47 years to another preparing for its first-ever matchup between nationally ranked teams.
No. 1 Tarleton State and No. 2 Stephen F. Austin continue to lead the October 26 AFCA FCS Coaches Poll, but some of the most interesting stories are unfolding further down the Top 25.
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Austin Peay is back at a ranking it hadn't reached since 1979, Campbell is making program history, and Lamar has quietly built a perfect home record against ranked opponents under Pete Rossomando. Meanwhile, Northern Arizona is enjoying its highest ranking in nearly a quarter-century, and Abilene Christian is proving that a winning record isn't always necessary to crack the Top 25.
Here are five stats that reveal just how unusual this week's FCS football rankings really are.
1. Austin Peay Is Ranked As High As It Was 47 Years Ago
The last time Austin Peay was ranked No. 8 nationally, Jimmy Carter was president.
That was Sept. 22, 1979.
Now, 47 years later, the Governors are back at No. 8 in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll after improving to 7-2.
Austin Peay returned to that position earlier this month, marking its highest ranking in any national poll since 1979.
2. Campbell Is Preparing For Its First-Ever Ranked Showdown
No. 15 Campbell is about to experience something its football program has never seen.
When the Camels visit No. 25 UAlbany on Saturday, it will be Campbell's first-ever game featuring two nationally ranked teams.
Campbell also reached a program-record No. 12 in this week's Stats Perform poll.
Here's the twist: Both Campbell and UAlbany finished 2-10 last season. Now they're preparing to meet as Top 25 opponents.
3. Lamar Is 4-0 At Home Against Ranked Opponents Since 2024
Nationally ranked teams don't enjoy visiting Beaumont, Texas.
No. 13 Lamar has gone a perfect 4-0 at home against Top 25 opponents since 2024 under head coach Pete Rossomando.
That stretch includes a victory over No. 4 South Dakota in 2025.
Before Rossomando arrived, the Cardinals hadn't beaten a nationally ranked opponent since 2019. Now they're 6-2 and back among the nation's top 15 teams.
4. Northern Arizona Is Ranked This High For The First Time Since 2002
No. 7 Northern Arizona hasn't occupied this position in the national rankings for nearly a quarter-century.
The Lumberjacks last reached No. 7 during the week of Oct. 8, 2002.
Northern Arizona is 6-2 this season and has defeated two nationally ranked opponents, including a victory over then-No. 2/3 Montana.
The Lumberjacks have also earned the No. 7 spot in the NCAA FCS playoff committee's initial Top 10.
5. Abilene Christian Is The Only Ranked Team At .500
Twenty-four teams in this week's AFCA Top 25 have winning records.
The lone exception? No. 24 Abilene Christian.
The Wildcats are 4-4 but have won three consecutive games and remain unbeaten in UAC play at 3-0.
Despite having as many losses as wins, Abilene Christian is back in the national rankings and tied for first in its conference standings.
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