KINGSTON, R.I. – Rhode Island sits just outside of the Top 25 in the initial American Football Coaches Association FCS Coaches Spring poll, which was released Tuesday morning.

The Rams (1-0) received 34 points in the poll, coming in just behind Monmouth (52 points). Rhody is one of eight CAA Football teams receiving votes in the poll. James Madison is the nation's top-ranked team with 486 points and 14 of the 20 first-place votes. No. 10 Delaware, N. 14-tied Villanova – which Rhode Island beat on the road in overtime – No. 19 Albany, No. 22 Richmond and No. 23 New Hampshire are all in the top 25. Rhody and Maine (9 points, 33rd) are receiving votes.

The AFA FCS Coaches Spring Poll is the second national poll in which Rhode Island neared the Top 25. On Monday, the Rams were 28th in the STATS Perform FCS Top 25. The Rams were also named the STATS National Team of the Week.

This Saturday, the Rams play at No. 18/19 Albany which a chance to win games in consecutive weeks over Top 25 teams for just the second time in program history. The only time Rhode Island accomplished that feat was in 2001, when URI won at No. 4 Delaware on Aug. 30 and then beat No. 4 Hofstra on Sept. 8.