FCS football predictions highlight PFL and MVFC contenders for 2026 season

As the 2026 FCS football season approaches, analysts are evaluating contenders across various conferences. In the Pioneer Football League (PFL), Drake University seeks a fourth consecutive championship, though preseason polls and Opta projections suggest a highly competitive field. San Diego was a preseason favorite, while Dayton, St. Thomas, Butler, and Drake remain strong contenders. The Dayton Flyers are highlighted for their returning talent, including preseason nominees Gavin Lochow and Mirko Jaksic.

In the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), the landscape has shifted following the departure of North Dakota State, leaving the conference title race wide open. South Dakota State is the projected favorite to win the MVFC. Their success is expected to depend on improved roster depth, particularly at quarterback and defensive line, and the development of quarterback Chase Mason.