The 2026 preseason Bottom 10 rankings are here, led by UMass at No. 1 following their winless 2025 campaign. The Minutemen spent the offseason polishing their Bottom 10 championship trophy and welcoming transfers to Amherst.

At No. 2, Sam Houston faces challenges in FCS competition while dealing with Elliott T. Bowers Stadium's $60 million reconstruction. Georgia State checks in at No. 3, with the Panthers building a new baseball stadium near Center Parc Stadium.

Charlotte ranks fourth with their 1-and-11 record, while Jayden Daniels is notably absent from the top five due to legal concerns. Sackreminto State rounds out the top six, benefiting from frequent flyer miles as their closest MAC rival is Western Michigan, 2,171 miles away.

Rounding out the rankings are Northern Illinois, UL Monroe, UT Permian Basin, and Muddled Tennessee State. The waiting list includes Ball State, New Mexico State, Kent State, Akron, and Rice.