Conflicting Perspectives
Yahoo Sports defines a blueblood as "to have a track record of winning."
This definition is generally agreed upon by college football experts and individuals who closely follow the sport. The issue arises when conversations dive further into this topic, arguing about the balance between historical success and current relevance.
Some believe that consistency and recent achievements are in the DNA of CFB powers; others value strong tradition and a background filled with triumph.
It is impossible to find a perfect medium – one that satisfies the opinions of all – but there are certain parameters that should be considered, rules that ensure the correct schools are championed.
In the FCS, there are countless teams deemed to be bluebloods despite controversy and public dispute revolving around their worthiness for the name.
To fully understand what constitutes a blueblood in today's FCS, we must examine programs not just from a historical lens, but also by influence on the sport.
Accepting Reality
Making the determination that a school simply hasn’t been "good enough" to be regarded as a blueblood is challenging, and a decision that can come with a tremendous amount of backlash.
Teams who have a rich background and at one point or another, dominated the FCS landscape, should be given elite status – right?
This is where arguments can get contentious. The past should definitely carry meaning when talking about true bluebloods, but centering an entire stance on previous prosperity can result in an oblivious point of view that denies the state of modern football.
It is also valid to point out that each school is distinctly different and therefore should be analyzed separately.
Eastern Kentucky: A Case Study
A prime example of this is Eastern Kentucky. Recognized by a multitude of people as a blueblood due to their supremacy under legendary coach Roy Kidd, the Colonels have garnered two national championships and 16 Ohio Valley Conference titles.
Although Eastern Kentucky has an intriguing history, the problem with a viewpoint similar to this is that Eastern Kentucky has been mediocre the past decade plus, struggling to sustain success and reach the upper tier of the FCS.
The Colonels have put forth solid campaigns and made the playoff field on several occasions, but can’t seem to advance, failing to make it through the first round in over 30 years.
Eastern Kentucky has the pedigree to be on the cusp of eminence, but this is where subjectivity becomes a major factor.
No one can advocate for the Colonels as a cream-of-the-crop FCS program without using at least a small portion of personal bias.
From one position, Eastern Kentucky is a blueblood because of their ability to maintain stability and not completely lose pertinence after a period of superiority. Despite a drop-off in force and power, the Colonels’ program hasn’t derailed to a point of irrelevance and still has the capacity to push for a postseason bid.
A contrasting attitude would insist that Eastern Kentucky lacks present-day accomplishments, occasionally competing in the playoffs but not legitimately threatening anyone at the top of the FCS hierarchy.
Youngstown State: Another Fascinating Case
Another fascinating case study is former perennial powerhouse: Youngstown State.
The Penguins developed a presiding dynasty in the '90s, claiming four national championships and making it to the title game in two other instances (1992 and 1999).
Youngstown State has fallen significantly since the withdrawal of the illustrious Jim Tressel, grappling with an inability to forge a path to the FCS throne.
What makes Youngstown State divergent from Eastern Kentucky is that the Penguins have manufactured dark horse runs in the playoffs, maintaining their brand and retaining a core part of their blueblood identity.
While it could be argued that the Colonels have been more persistent and dependable, Youngstown State has proven itself worthy of climbing the FCS ladder post-dynasty.
Public discernment seems to concur with this outlook, pointing out that Youngstown State has maintained enough steadiness to be counted a blueblood.
But – once again – this is all opinion-based, as it depends on credence and plausibility.
Balancing an approach is crucial when it comes to the Football Championship Subdivision bluebloods.
True Wrecking Forces
This is an incredibly difficult subject matter to make a judgment on, but it prompts discussion and engagement in the FCS community.
Here is a list of teams I consider to be bluebloods (current FCS schools):
My Criteria: minimum two national championships, immense tradition, preservation of relevance, and a consistent playoff presence.
North Dakota State
One of the most straightforward selections, the Bison have been at the forefront of FCS football and constantly stake their claim high up the FCS scale. With profuse tradition and a passionate fan base, North Dakota State has constructed a blueprint that is unmatched in comparison to its peers.
Recent accomplishments include ten national championship victories and eleven Missouri Valley Football Conference titles.
North Dakota State doesn’t even look close to diminishing anytime soon, with an abundance of talent returning to a firm roster.
South Dakota State
The Jackrabbits reached blueblood repute with back-to-back national titles (2022 and 2023), combined with their emergence in the 2010s as a viable playoff participant.
South Dakota State has been chosen for the FCS postseason 14 times, accumulating a record of 24-12 in those endeavors. Jackrabbit faithful have also witnessed their squad capture five MVFC crowns.
Like fierce rival North Dakota State, SDSU is primed to continue its reign of opulence.
Montana
The Griz's home football stadium is nicknamed The Mecca of FCS Football, highlighting the profound impact Montana has had and their extensive history of prestige.
Deep in the Mountain West region, the Griz have claimed two national championships and 19 Big Sky conference championships, enhancing their overall trademark and presenting themselves as a pure, refined program that deserves the blueblood denomination.
Outside of slight inconsistencies and failed attempts to track down the Dakota programs, Montana has been an impressive model.
Youngstown State
In my opinion, I believe that to be regarded as a blueblood, two rings is the minimum requirement.
Youngstown State made a remarkable push during the Tressel saga, devastating opponents and apprehending four national titles – a feat that only Georgia Southern and North Dakota State have been capable of realizing.
Underdog stories in 2006 and 2016 keep the Penguins afloat – for now.
Fringe Candidates
These programs are on the bubble, and are within striking distance of the premium tier.
Montana State
With a national title under their belt and a revival of fortitude, the Bobcats are on the doorstep of the next echelon.
A heartbreaking defeat to North Dakota State in January thrusts Montana State downward, but the Bobcats won’t bow out.
Another ring will propel Montana State to blueblood footing.
Eastern Washington
Like the Bobcats, Eastern Washington has all the basic necessities, yet is a hoist of the trophy away from attaining the coveted blueblood rank.
The Eagles have flourished in the Big Sky, winning ten conference championships. Their standards are tough to contest. However, programs have unveiled methods to keep elevating the FCS condition.
Personal Merit
When engaging with someone about the blueblood subject, it is pivotal to remember that all people comprehend things uniquely and assess specific aspects in another way.
Whether it be on a message board or a social media platform, there is going to be conflict and contradictions about the programs promoted to blueblood class. It is key to remain mindful and utilize numerous angles to evaluate teams.
Because in the end, bluebloods aren’t decided by one definition – they're forged through legacy and a relentless pursuit of greatness.