North Dakota enters the 2026 FCS season with arguably its most talented roster in the Division I era, which is less than 20 years old. The preseason hype is shown in the rankings as well, with a No. 10 slot in the Stats Perform Preseason Top 25 Media Poll.
The expectations are high for a program looking to reach new heights. UND has never reached the FCS quarterfinals outside of the shortened spring 2021 COVID bracket.
But Top 10 rankings are actually familiar territory for the Fighting Hawks.
The question is, can they keep themselves there?
UND has appeared in the media poll’s Top 10 in each of the last three seasons. But those times didn’t last long, sometimes followed by head-scratching performances that plummeted UND in the rankings.
Let’s relive to set the stage for 2026.
The Hawks rose to No. 11 in mid-October of 2023 after shellacking No. 6 North Dakota State 49-24, putting the country on notice. The next week was a dud, though, as UND lost 27-0 at unranked Northern Iowa. The momentum after a historic win seemed gone, but the Hawks rebounded and rose to the No. 10 slot a couple of weeks later, only to fall back out after a close loss at No. 6 South Dakota. UND reached the playoffs at 7-4 and received a home playoff game, only to lose to Sac State in the opening round.
Once No. 10, UND ended No. 16 in the final media poll.
In 2024, UND returned to the Top 10 after a 27-24 win over No. 4 Montana in Week 2. The Fighting Hawks were ranked as high as No. 7 at 5-2. Disaster then ensued, seeing five straight losses to end the season at 5-7, including losses to unranked Youngstown State and Indiana State.
Once No. 7, UND ended unranked in the final media poll.
A needed head coaching change occurred. UND brought in former player and assistant coach Eric Schmidt to take over, which brought renewed energy to the program and a new level of tenacity on the recruiting trail.
The results showed early last season. UND elevated itself to No. 8 with a 6-2 record. But again, it didn’t last long. The Hawks then lost three of their final four games, albeit to eventual playoff teams. They got into the bracket at 7-5 and earned an impressive 31-6 first-round win at No. 13 seed Tennessee Tech, their first playoff win since the 2021 spring bracket and their second all-time in the FCS. UND exited the next week, losing 31-13 at No. 4 seed Tarleton State.
Once No. 8, UND ended No. 14 in the final media poll.
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For three seasons, UND fans have felt a glimmer of “Is this the breakout year?” But every season has ended with too much meat on the bone, hindered by road woes and/or “almost wins.”
As my former basketball coach always said, “Don’t be an almost player.”
And UND has been an almost program for too long.
In 2026, the Fighting Hawks have the coaching staff, roster talent, facilities, fan support, and investment to stamp themselves as a consistent Top 10 FCS team.
It’s no secret that to win at the highest levels in this subdivision, you need the dudes in the trenches. North Dakota will deploy arguably a Top 2 offensive line in the country. NFL Draft prospect Trace Thaden, Liam Becher, and Ben Buxa return after all logging 900+ snaps last season. Returner Isaac Cariveau added nearly 500 reps, plus 2024 starter Caleb Olson is working his way back from an injury.
An All-American defensive end duo returns as well. Lance Rucker, another NFL Draft prospect, totaled 64 tackles, 15 TFLs, and 11.5 sacks last fall. Kaden Vig added 36 stops, six TFLs, and 5.5 sacks. The defense overall could be very experienced if court rulings stand that grant defensive backs Jy Martin, Avery Scott, and All-MVFC Jonnie Wiltshire extra years of eligibility.
Jerry Kaminski leads the offense at quarterback after a standout sophomore season, including a blistering start to the year. He finished with 2,570 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, plus 607 yards rushing and eight scores. UND has production to replace at wide receiver and running back, but QB and o-line strength will help that transition.
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The pieces are in place. A preseason Top 10 ranking is warranted. And there is a high likelihood that ranking gets even better.
By mid-October, the Hawks should be 6-0 vs. the FCS, facing six unranked teams: LIU, St. Thomas, Portland State, Indiana State, Murray State, and Northern Iowa. And if they play clean ball, expect a battle at FBS Nebraska. A 7-0 start, and now we’re talking. But at a more likely 6-1 mark, UND will be rising in the polls. Yet we may not fully know just how good UND is, even this deep into the season.
Business picks up from there, though, which is where the Fighting Hawks can make their money:
- vs. No. 3 South Dakota State
- at No. 12 South Dakota
- at No. 9 Youngstown State
- vs. No. 4 Illinois State
- vs. No. 16 Southern Illinois
UND is a Top 10 FCS team heading into the season. By October, the Hawks could be somewhere in the Top 8.
The question, again, is will they stay there by season’s end?
