October 5, 2026

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – College of Idaho took over sole possession of the No. 1 ranking, while Montana Tech remained No. 6, Carroll (Mont.) moved up to No. 12 and Dakota State (S.D.) slipped to No. 23.

College of Idaho (5-0 overall record, 1-0 FC West) moved from a tie for No. 1 to sole possession of the top spot, collecting eight of the 12 first-place votes. The Yotes remained unbeaten with a homecoming victory over Simpson (Calif.). College of Idaho had shared the No. 1 ranking with Keiser (Fla.) in the previous poll.

Montana Tech (5-1 overall record, 1-0 FC East) held steady at No. 6 after earning a 33-21 road victory over then-No. 22 Dakota State. The Orediggers continue to boast one of the NAIA’s top defenses, allowing fewer than 15 points and 241.7 total yards per game. Montana Tech is also limiting opponents to 63 rushing yards per contest.

Carroll (4-1 overall record, 1-0 FC West) climbed one position from No. 13 to No. 12. The Fighting Saints improved to 4-1 after rolling past Arizona Christian 73-0. Carroll has steadily risen in the national poll after entering the season ranked No. 11 and falling to No. 15 in the first regular-season rankings.

Dakota State (4-2 overall record, 0-1 FC East) dropped one position from No. 22 to No. 23 following its 33-21 home loss to Montana Tech, despite holding a 21-20 lead after three quarters. The Trojans have appeared in every national poll this season after beginning the year at No. 25. DSU rose as high as No. 21 before sitting at No. 22 last week.

The Frontier Conference divisional action continues Saturday with six games (times in Mountain Time):
Valley City State (N.D.) at Mayville State (N.D.) – 12 p.m.

• MSU-Northern at (6) Montana Tech – 1 p.m.
• Montana Western at (12) Carroll (Mont.) – 1 p.m.
• Eastern Oregon at Arizona Christian – 2 p.m.
• Dickinson State (N.D.) at (23) Dakota State (S.D.) – 2 p.m.
• Simpson (Calif.) at Southern Oregon – 2 p.m.
• Byes: Rocky Mountain (Mont.) and (1) College of Idaho

No. 4 - Oct. 5	#1	#6	#12	#23	----	----
No. 3 - Sept. 28	#1 (tie)	#6	#13	#22	RV	----
No. 2 - Sept. 21	#3	#2	#13	#21	RV	----
No. 1 - Sept. 14	#4	#3	#15	#23	#21	----
Pre - Aug. 24	#4	#5	#11	#25	#18	RV