North Carolina has solid college football from the mountains to the coast. For evidence, look no further than last year’s showing in the NCAA FCS ranks.
Six of the seven North Carolina schools finished with winning records (and Campbell was just one win away).
NC Central earned 10 wins, claimed the MEAC and secured the title of HBCU national champions by topping Jackson State in the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta. Gardner-Webb went undefeated in the Big South and joined Elon and Davidson in the 24-team FCS playoff field. The Bulldogs beat Eastern Kentucky in the opening round before falling to CAA champion William & Mary.
This year could be even better.
It’s not a stretch to say three schools could be hoisting conference championship trophies by the end and at least that many could be playoff/Celebration Bowl bound. All seven could boast more wins than losses. There are no bad FCS teams in our state.
So, how to rank them 1-7? It’s a tough ask. There isn’t much separation but we’ll give it a shot. Here is our preseason FCS Best In State power rankings for North Carolina:
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1. North Carolina Central Eagles (10-2 in 2022)
The Eagles return both the offensive and defensive players of the year in the MEAC, quarterback Davius Richard and defensive back Khalil Baker. And that’s just for starters. It’s Celebration Bowl or bust once again.
2. Gardner-Webb Bulldogs (7-6)
Speaking of loaded rosters, the defending Big South champions take an experienced bunch into the new Big South/OVC Football Association. Coach Tre Lamb has quickly built a solid program in Boiling Springs.
3. Elon Phoenix (8-4)
A sleeper to watch in the loaded Coastal Athletic Association. Will play both NC Central and Gardner-Webb in non-conference action to help sort out these standings.
4. Western Carolina Catamounts (6-5)
Another team knocking on the door of the elite in its conference, the SoCon. Hoping for big things as the school celebrates the 40-year anniversary of making the FCS (NCAA I-AA) title game.
5. Davidson Wildcats (8-4)
In this new era of curious conference realignment, the ‘Cats have already mastered playing in a coast-to-coast conference, the Pioneer Football League, which stretches from NC to California. Davidson has an old-school offensive approach, though, run the ball down your throats.
6. NC A&T Aggies (7-4)
A newcomer to the CAA, the Aggies have no intention of languishing in the back of the conference pack. New coach Vincent Brown knows the league, helping CAA stalwart William & Mary win 11 games and reach the FCS quarterfinals last year as a defensive coach.
7. Campbell Camels (5-6)
Also taking the leap into the CAA, the Camels have confidently assembled one of the best recruiting classes in the FCS the past few years. Now is the time to see the hard work on the trail pay off on the field. Don’t overlook the Camels.
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