Where are the FCS players? NFL Draft makes bad kind of history for former Division I-AA schools

TL;DR

The 2026 NFL Draft marks the first time no FCS players have been selected through the first three rounds. This historic absence raises questions about the future of FCS representation in the NFL.

Key points

No FCS players drafted in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft
First occurrence since the divisional distinction for FCS
Potential changes expected in the later rounds

Where are the FCS players? NFL Draft makes bad kind of history for former Division I-AA schools originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2026 NFL Draft has left the FCS at home.

At least that's how it has felt through three rounds. The schools formerly known as Division I-AA haven't gotten any part of the action through 100 picks.

It's the first time since the divisional distinction that no FCS players have been drafted through three rounds:

There are likely reasons for this, and it's also likely to change on Saturday when rounds four through seven take place.

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Why aren't FCS players getting drafted?

The transfer portal and NIL money have a lot to do with this.

Not every player drafted in the first 100 picks began his career at an FBS school. Just by the time they reached draft eligibility, they were at a big program.

A bunch of them grinded at lower levels to reach those heights, but there was simply too much incentive to transfer up the ladder.

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FCS players to be drafted on Day 3 of 2026 NFL Draft

The biggest name here is likely Bryce Lance, the WR out of North Dakota State who is Trey Lance's younger brother.

Stephen F. Austin cornerback Charles Demmings should get picked.

Lance's NDSU QB, Cole Payton, is a lefty that should go at some point.

Keep an eye on the big defensive tackle Kaleb Proctor out of SE Louisiana.

And if you're looking beyond FCS -- Division III John Carroll's Tyren Montgomery should come off the board at some point.

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Q&A

Why were there no FCS players drafted in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft?

The absence of FCS players in the first three rounds is attributed to various factors, including scouting trends and the overall talent pool.

What does the lack of FCS players in the NFL Draft mean for Division I-AA schools?

This historic absence may indicate challenges for FCS schools in developing players who can compete at the NFL level, impacting recruitment and visibility.

How many rounds are left in the 2026 NFL Draft for FCS players to be selected?

There are four rounds remaining in the 2026 NFL Draft, where FCS players still have the opportunity to be drafted.