Unlock the Secret Twist Behind the Story You Thought You Knew

In a college football world spinning on the dizzying carousel of transfers, keeping tabs on the top FCS players can feel like tracking a lightning bolt in a thunderstorm. Yet, NFL scouts? They don’t need a GPS—they already know exactly where to find the elite draft prospects ready to make that leap. As 2026 dawns, the spotlight will shine on all-star games, the NFL Combine, and pro days, but it’s the next four months—the full 2025 season—that truly offer FCS players a golden runway to prove their mettle. With the transfer portal thinning the herd but some breakout stars primed to explode, a new cadre of talent is emerging. Who’s climbing the ranks? Josh Buchanan, NFL Draft Scout and Phil Steele Publications’ small school guru, breaks down the preseason FCS prospects you won’t want to blink past this season. Ready to meet the future faces of the NFL? LEARN MORE

With transferring rampant in college football, you sometimes need a scorecard to know where the top FCS players are located. NFL teams donât, 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 seasonâs worth.

Whoâs 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.

âThis group was thinned out big time by the (NCAA transfer) portal overall,â he said, âbut it has some good wide receivers and several first-year starters that are prime candidates to be breakouts this season.â

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:

1. 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.

âBryce 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,â 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: Hasnât 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.