Lindy's picks Villanova football second in FCS preseason

With college football's preseason fast approaching, Alabama-based publisher Lindy's released their projected ranking of the top FCS football teams in the 2015 season. Villanova was ranked second, behind the dynastic North Dakota State.

The Bison have a string of national championships, upset wins over Power-5 programs and ESPN College GameDay appearances over the last few seasons, so it's no surprise that college football pickers would put their money on NDSU to win it all again this year. The Wildcats, meanwhile, flamed out in the playoffs last season against Sam Houston State. That loss came without the assistance of John Robertson, and many believe that the Wildcats would have been heading to the FargoDome in December to test the National Champs, had the Walter Payton Award winner been able to play.

Villanova was also picked 4th by Sporting News and 5th by Athlon. They are one of five CAA teams to make Lindy's list, the others being #9 New Hampshire, #12 Richmond, #17 James Madison, and #21 William & Mary. The Wildcats also will play #23 Fordham of the Patriot League this Fall.

The full list follows:

Lindy’s FCS Preseason Top 25

1. North Dakota State
2. Villanova
3. Sam Houston State
4. Illinois State
5. Chattanooga
6. Jacksonville State
7. Coastal Carolina
8. Eastern Washington
9. New Hampshire
10. South Dakota State
11. Montana State
12. Richmond
13. Liberty
14. Northern Iowa
15. Stephen F. Austin
16. Montana
17. James Madison
18. Eastern Kentucky
19. South Carolina State
20. Indiana State
21. William & Mary
22. Youngstown State
23. Fordham
24. McNeese State
25. Harvard