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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:
An FCS player was not selected in the first three rounds (100 picks), which had never occurred previously. The 1979 NFL Draft was the first to involve FCS players. pic.twitter.com/c8UnVXau9m
— Opta FCS Football (@OptaAnalystFCS) April 25, 2026There are likely reasons for this, and it's also likely to change on Saturday when rounds four through seven take place.
2026 NFL DRAFT HQ: Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available
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.
BEST DRAFT NAMES: Ephesians Prysock | R Mason Thomas | DeVonta Smith | Zxavian Harris
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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