FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (October 20, 2026) – In the initial FCS Football Committee Playoff rankings, Northern Arizona football was ranked No. 7, as announced on ESPN's College Football Live on Tuesday.
The Lumberjacks' initial committee ranking matches their ranking in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and AFCA FCS Coaches Poll this week. The FCS Playoff Committee will reveal a second top 10 ranking on Nov. 5 prior to the Championship Selection show on Nov. 22.
NAU (6-2, 4-1 Big Sky) is vying for a top eight spot in the playoffs, which would ensure the Lumberjacks a first round bye and a home game in the second round. The top eight seeds in the full 24-team bracket receive a bye, while teams seeded No. 9-16 will host first round games.
With four games remaining in the regular season, the Lumberjacks are looking to return to the FCS Playoffs for the second time under head coach
Brian Wright. NAU earned an at-large bid in 2024. NAU is also aiming to win the program's first Big Sky Conference championship since 2003, currently sitting in a tie for first place in the league standings.
Fans can purchase tickets for NAU's two remaining home games at Findlay Toyota Field at the Walkup Skydome
here. The Lumberjacks host Weber State on Nov. 14 and Northern Colorado on Nov. 21.
Stay up to date with Northern Arizona football by following the Lumberjacks on
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Instagram.
NCAA FCS Football Committee Top 10 Ranking (October 20, 2026)
1. Montana State
2. Tarleton State
3. Youngstown State
4. Stephen F. Austin
5. South Dakota State
6. North Dakota
7. Northern Arizona
8. South Dakota
9. Austin Peay
10. Harvard
