KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island Football earned its first ranking of the 2024 season on Monday morning, coming in at No. 22 on the Stats Perform FCS Top 25.  

URI (3-1, 1-0 CAA Football) also received recognition in the AFCA Coaches Poll, collecting 54 votes to sit just outside the organization's top 25. 

The honor comes on the heels of the team's hard-fought road victory at LIU (Sept. 21). The Rams defeated their hosts 28-21 thanks to a three-touchdown performance by running back Malik Grant and a couple of goal line stands from the defense.  

Rhode Island had previously received votes from either the AFCA or Stats Perform in each week of the 2024 campaign. A year ago, Rhody spent seven weeks in the top 25 and climbed as high as 17th in the Stats Perform poll and 18th in the AFCA Coaches Top 25. 

URI was joined by four other CAA Football teams in the Stats Perform Top 25 in Villanova (No. 6), William & Mary (No. 11), UAlbany (No. 21) and New Hampshire (No. 24). Richmond (72) and Stony Brook (nine) received votes.

The AFCA awarded five league programs a spot in its rankings, tabbing Villanova sixth, William & Mary 12th, New Hampshire 20th, and both UAlbany and Richmond in a tie at 23rd. In addition to the Rams, Stony Brook (16) and Monmouth (10) were awarded votes. 

Rhode Island will have a bye the weekend of Sept. 28. Following the break, the team will resume action with a conference game at Hampton on Saturday, Oct. 5.