Idaho State is starting to turn some heads.

The Bengals checked in at No. 13 in the Sporting News' FCS preseason Top 25 poll released earlier this week.

North Dakota State, the defending champions, are the Sporting News’ No. 1 team. Eastern Washington is the highest-ranked squad from the Big Sky Conference at No. 5.

Montana State is at No. 9, and Montana is right behind the Bengals at No. 15. The final ranked team from the Big Sky is Northern Arizona at No. 22.

The Bengals’ rigorous 2015 schedule includes home dates against Eastern Washington (Oct. 17), Montana (Nov. 7) and Montana State (Nov. 14). For the second straight season, ISU does not play the Lumberjacks.

Idaho State returns nine offensive starters next season and several key pieces on defense. The Bengals do have to find replacements for quarterback Justin Arias and linebacker Mitch Beckstead.

ISU nearly made the FCS playoffs for the first time in 31 years last season, going 8-4 and finishing at No. 25 in the final Sports Network FCS Top 25 poll. The Bengals, who had not been ranked before last season since October of 2005, led the nation in passing yards per game (348.1 yards) and finished second in total offense (562 yards per game).

While Idaho State was not tabbed by the selection committee to break into the 24-team playoff field in 2014, Big Sky squads Eastern Washington, Montana and Montana State were among those who were.

The Eagles advanced to the quarterfinals before losing 59-46 to Illinois State at home.

Sporting News FCS Preseason Top-25 Poll

1. North Dakota State

2. Sam Houston State

3. Illinois State

4. Villanova

5. Eastern Washington

6. Coastal Carolina

7. Jacksonville State

8. Chattanooga

9. Montana State

10. Youngstown State

11. Northern Iowa

12. James Madison

13. Idaho State

14. Eastern Kentucky

15. Montana

16. Liberty

17. Stephen F. Austin

18. New Hampshire

19. Indiana State

20. Alcorn State

21. Southeastern Louisiana

22. Northern Arizona

23. South Dakota State

24. Charleston Southern

25. Eastern Illinois