With transferring rampant in college football, you sometimes need a scorecard to know where the top FCS players are located. NFL teams don’t, however. They know just where to find leading draft prospects.
After the calendar turns to 2026, the all-star games, NFL Combine and pro days will be oh-so important for NFL Draft prospects.
But the next four months offer quite an opportunity for FCS players to build their draft resume.
An entire 2025 season’s worth.
Who’s coveted? Josh Buchanan, a scout and small school draft analyst for NFL Draft Scout and Phil Steele Publications, has released a preseason ranking of FCS prospects.
“This group was thinned out big time by the (NCAA transfer) portal overall,” he said, “but it has some good wide receivers and several first-year starters that are prime candidates to be breakouts this season.”
There are other former FCS standouts spending a final season at the FBS level with the hope of increasing their draft stock, including former South Dakota State quarterback Mark Gronowski (seven of the 15 FCS draft picks in 2025 were in a similar final-season scenario).
Following is the top-12 ranking of Buchanan’s FCS NFL Draft prospects who are strictly playing in the Division I subdivision this season:
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1 month ago Craig Haley1. Bryce Lance, North Dakota State, WR (6-3, 209)
Preseason Grade: Round 3
Notable: The younger brother of 2021 No. 3 NFL Draft pick Trey Lance broke out as a redshirt junior with an FCS-high 17 touchdown receptions, including seven in four postseason games while NDSU captured the national title.
“Bryce Lance is by far the best player in this class. He was very loyal to NDSU and turned down (FBS) offers to stay there. He has a great size/speed combo with the ability to make big plays,” said Buchanan, noting Lance separated himself in the FCS draft class during the playoffs.
2. Jalen Walthall, UIW, WR (6-1, 180)
Preseason Grade: Round 6-7
Notable: Blossomed after a transfer from Hawaii with FCS top-five rankings in receptions (85), receiving yards (1,290) and TD catches (14).
3. Jalen Jones, William & Mary, CB (6-0, 195)
Preseason Grade: Round 7
Notable: Hasn’t let up since a three-interception performance in his first start in 2022, finishing last season as the FCS leader in overall passes defended (22) and per-game average (1.8).
4. Max Tomczak, Youngstown State, WR (5-11, 195)
Preseason Grade: Round 7/Priority Free Agent
Notable: The nephew of former NFL quarterback Mike Tomczak is known for his toughness and polish, but the 2,003 career receiving yards stand out as well.
5. Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin, CB (6-1, 185)
Preseason Grade: Priority Free Agent
Notable: Combines length and speed (40-yard dash in the low 4.4s) with developing skills (five interceptions, 21 pass breakups in career).
6. Joanes Fortilien, Jackson State, WR (6-5, 210)
Preseason Grade: Priority Free Agent
Notable: The size makes him a red-zone target, with 11 of his 41 receptions last season going for touchdowns. Among FCS programs, Jackson State has been an NFL pipeline.
7. Jaden Craig, Harvard, QB (6-2, 215)
Preseason Grade: Priority Free Agent
Notable: That Craig is considered a strong decision maker is reflected by his 23 TD passes to just three interceptions in 279 pass attempts as a junior.
8. Rex Connors, UC Davis, SS (6-0, 210)
Preseason Grade: Priority Free Agent
Notable: Steady performer has averaged nearly 10 tackles per game since 2022 (262 in 27 games) with eight interceptions.
9. Ashton Grable, Florida A&M, OG (6-3, 315)
Preseason Grade: Priority Free Agent
Notable: Explosive off the snap in run blocking, Grable’s older brother Tylan was a Buffalo Bills’ draft pick in 2024.
10. Erick Hunter, Morgan State, ILB (6-3, 215)
Preseason Grade: Priority Free Agent
Notable: Diagnoses plays quickly, then uses speed to get to the ball (196 career tackles). He was limited to two games due to injury last season.
The FCS conference leaders for NFL Draft picks this decade. pic.twitter.com/2gHBN5l2KV
— Opta FCS Football (@OptaAnalystFCS) April 27, 202511. Logan Kopp, North Dakota State, OLB (6-1, 221)
Preseason Grade: Priority Free Agent
Notable: Has 201 tackles and 10 takeaways (eight interceptions, two fumble recoveries) in a 45-game career.
12. Chase Mason, South Dakota State, QB (6-3, 235)
Preseason Grade: Priority Free Agent
Notable: After beginning college on the Nebraska baseball team, Mason has averaged 10.5 yards on 62 carries as SDSU’s backup QB the last two seasons.
Top photo: Jaden Craig (Harvard Athletics); Bryce Lance (Associated Press); and Charles Demmings (Stephen F. Austin Athletics)
For more FCS football coverage, follow on social media at X, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.
2026 NFL Draft Prospects: A Dozen Leading FCS Players to Watch This Season Opta Analyst.
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