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