I never really done anything like this because I wasn’t that knowledgeable about FCS football until a few years back. Remember the North Dakota State matches against the likes of Iowa and Colorado. South Dakota State having at it with a couple of FBS opponents. Even way back when App State was in the FCS who upset Michigan to put themselves on the map. Thanks to those unbelievable upsets and the 24-team playoff (GET ON IT NOW FBS AND NCAA!!!!), I learned more about these programs and parts of their stories. I will be at an FCS vs. FBS game this season, and I’m all jazzed up for it. Here’s the Top 10 upcoming FCS vs. FBS matchups that could literally shake up college football and potentially screw up their playoff percentages and margin-of-error before even playing the rest of their schedule.

10) ABILENE CHRISTIAN VS. TEXAS TECH

If anyone remembers both teams facing each other two seasons ago, Abilene Christian forced Texas Tech to over 100 points scored in total and overtime and nearly a major loss just after Oklahoma and Texas left for the SEC. It would’ve been a major blow to the program’s reputation and then some. Maybe Abilene Christian is looking for an equalizer 2 years later, but Texas Tech’s a completely different team…unless their offense falters.

9) SACRED HEART AND STONEHILL VS. UMASS

This is a dream “tune-up” game for Sacred Heart and Stonehill against the worst FBS college football team. Maybe UMass finds a way to improve and turn a corner after going 0-12, but it’ll take a big play or two for us spectators to believe.

8) WEST GEORGIA VS. KENNESAW STATE

West Georgia moved from Division II to the FCS level in 2024 while Kennesaw State did the same from the FCS to the FBS in that same exact year. This is the first ever meeting between two in-state teams and could make for an interesting game to see how West Georgia progressed while Kennesaw State tries to repeat in the C-USA conference.

7) NORTH CAROLINA A&T VS. GEORGIA STATE

North Carolina A&T and Georgia State both had a pretty awful 2025 campaign. If anybody knows anything about the Celebration Bowl, NC A&T were once in that bowl playing for a championship crown on a couple of occasions. NC A&T may be more motivated to take advantage of this down-on-their-luck Panthers, but it all depends on what Georgia State quarterback Cameran Brown does as a full-time starter.

6) S.E. LOUISIANA VS. UL MONROE

S.E. Louisiana had a solid last season while UL Monroe collapsed after another strong early start. This could be even, but UL Monroe has a quarterback in Aidan Armenta and company. Maybe things go differently for the Warhawks, and a win would feel good for them moving forward.

5) MONTANA VS. OREGON STATE

The Grizzlies could be dealing with an improved Oregon State squad, but that’s not going to stop them if their offense comes out humming better than the Beavers’ offense. Montana quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat gunned for over 4,000 passing yards 33 touchdowns with his fellow running back going over 1,000 yards. Oregon State will see how Mercer transfer quarterback Braden Atkinson fares alongside running back Cornell Hatcher Jr. and hope they can avoid an upset. He had a successful freshmen season at Mercer and could make things interesting.

4) TARLETON STATE VS. BOWLING GREEN

Last season, Tarleton State was a force against Army. No matter the adversity, they outplayed the Black Knights for 60 game minutes and two overtimes. They face Bowling Green that’s going through a roster change hoping to overcome their struggles from last season. However, without Tarleton St quarterback Victor Gabalis to carry the team, this could be the Falcons’ chance to turn their season around.

3) MONTANA STATE VS. NEVADA

I will attend that game that has the current FCS champions pitted against the Wolfpack that figures to be better competitively (here’s to hoping). Also, this is the Jeff Choate game since he used to coach for Montana State. The Bobcats went through changes, but they’re still optimistic for a repeat. Nevada may have upgraded in some spots, but we’re going to really find out who they are in Week 2.

2) ILLINOIS STATE VS. NORTHERN ILLINOIS

The team that made a miraculous run to the FCS National Championship takes on a team going through a rebuild in the Mountain West conference in their first ever season. If there’s a world where this might be Illinois State’s year to go the distance, it starts with this game.

1) SOUTH DAKOTA STATE VS. NORTHWESTERN

I would count this as the most anticipated FCS vs. FBS matchup. It’s possible that Northwestern can kick the Jackrabbits’ teeth in now that they added Chip Kelly on as their OC. However, South Dakota State’s a consistent competitor and aren’t intimidated by upper-level competition like North Dakota State before their move to the FBS. Northwestern’s offense produced a measly 24 points per game last season, so South Dakota State could force an upset alert to sound through the college football nation in Week 1.