KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island head coach Jim Fleming was named one of 15 finalists for the 2025 Eddie Robinson Award, Stats Perform announced Monday. 

The Eddie Robinson Award, established in 1987 and now in its 39th season, is named for legendary Grambling State coach Eddie Robinson and given annually to the national coach of the year in Division I FCS Football.

Fleming led Rhode Island to the 2025 CAA Football Championship after the Rams went undefeated in conference play for the first time since 1985. It was the Rams first outright conference title in four decades. Rhode Island's 15-1 record in CAA play over the last two seasons is the best conference record over a two year period in program history. 

This is the second straight year Fleming has received this designation. Fleming was also named a finalist in 2024 after leading the Rams to a share of the CAA crown. 

In his 12th season, Fleming is the only head coach from the CAA amongst the 15 finalists. Fleming has led Rhode Island to 58 wins over the course of his tenure. That is the third-most wins for a head coach in program history trailing only Bob Griffin (79) and Frank Keaney (70). 

Fleming and the Rams received the CAA's autobid to the FCS Championship and earned the No. 9 overall seed. The Ram will host Central Connecticut State on Saturday, Nov. 29 at Noon. Tickets are available HERE.

All 13 FCS leagues are represented by an Eddie Robinson Award finalist. The winner, to be selected by a national voting panel, will be announced on Dec. 4 and honored at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Show on Jan. 3 in Nashville, Tennessee.