ELON, N.C. – After knocking off sixth-ranked Richmond 36-33, the Elon University football team has returned to the national rankings as the Phoenix checked in at #23 in this week's STATS FCS poll.

Elon sits at 3-1 on the season with its two other victories coming against Furman and #16 Charleston Southern. The last 3-1 start for the program was in 2011.

The Phoenix earned a total of 743 points, besting #24 Tennessee State by 388 points. Elon is one of six CAA Football programs in the top 25, joining #1 James Madison, #14 Villanova, #15 New Hampshire, #16 Richmond and its opponent this week, #19 Albany. The Great Danes will travel to Rhodes Stadium for a 2 p.m. game on Saturday, Sept. 30.

In the other national rankings, the FCS Coaches Poll, Elon earned 27 points and is the receiving the second-most points of those just outside the top 25.

Elon last appeared in the top 25 in late October of 2010.

STATS FCS Poll (Sept. 25)
1. James Madison (4-0)
2. North Dakota State (3-0)
3. Sam Houston State (3-0)
4. South Dakota State (3-0)
5. Jacksonville State (2-1)
6. Youngstown State (2-1)
7. Wofford (3-0)
8. The Citadel (3-0)
9. Eastern Washington (2-2)
10. South Dakota (3-0)
11. Central Arkansas (2-1)
12. Illinois State (3-0)
13. Western Illinois (3-0)
14. Villanova (2-2)
15. New Hamspshire (3-1)
16. Richmond (2-2)
17. North Carolina A&T (4-0)
18. UT Martin (3-1)
19. Albany (3-1)
20. Weber State (3-1)
21. Grambling State (2-1)
22. Liberty (3-1)
23. ELON (3-1)
24. Tennessee State (3-1)
25. Samford (2-2)