Best Chances for an FCS Over FBS Upset

There aren’t many instances where a team from the FCS can beat an FCS, but it does happen. Last season, Montana State defeated New Mexico in week 0. What are the best chances for an FCS over FBS upset?

Incarnate Word at UTSA, September 13

Incarnate Word is fourth in the FCS preseason poll after making the quarterfinals of the playoffs last season. While they lost quarterback Zach Calzada to Kentucky in the transfer portal, but they returned star receiver Jalen Walthall. He had 1,290 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns last season. UTSA is projected to be a solid team in the American Conference, but Incarnate Word could pull off the upset. 

Southeast Missouri State at Arkansas State, August 30

While they were omitted from the FCS preseason poll, the Redhawks have gone to two out of the last three FCS playoffs. Jax Leatherwood is transferring in at quarterback and will have a steep learning curve, as his first game will be against Arkansas State. While the Red Wolves should be solid after winning eight games last season, they could take a while to mesh, as they return just five starters. 

Abilene Christian at Tulsa, August 30

Abilene Christian is ranked 16th in the preseason FCS poll. The Wildcats won a game in the FCS playoffs last season, but did lose quarterback Maverick McIver to Western Kentucky. They have plenty of position battles to still figure out, although they do have talent on the roster. Tulsa won just three games last season, so Abilene Christian could win the season opener before things get settled. 

Idaho at Washington State, August 30

Idaho has made three straight appearances in the FCS playoffs, but they lost head coach Jason Eck, who took the New Mexico job. Seven FBS transfers are coming into the program to help new coach Thomas Ford. If he can get things rolling early, they could surprise Washington State in week 1. The Cougars return just three starters and have a lot of roster turnover after head coach Jake Dickert left for the Wake Forest job. 

Sacramento State at Nevada, September 6

Although they missed last year’s playoff, Sacramento State made the three previous playoffs. They have a new head coach in Brennan Marion, who did wonders as UNLV’s offensive coordinator. The Hornets were ranked 16th in the preseason poll. The offensive innovation of Marion could give Nevada problems, as they bring back just one offensive starter from last year’s squad. 

New Hampshire at Ball State, September 13

New Hampshire was left out of the preseason FCS poll, but have made two of the last four FCS playoffs. The Wildcats will rely on wide receiver Caleb Burke to take a step forward after totaling 711 receiving yards last season. They will play Ball State a few games into the season and the Cardinals are projected to have a rough season after winning just three games in 2024. 

Jackson State at Southern Miss, September 6

The Tigers won the Celebration Bowl last season and head coach TC Taylor has them ranked 17th in the FCS preseason poll. They have some talented transfers coming into the program, which could help them return to the Celebration Bowl. The portal additions give them depth. They’ll have a chance to compete against Southern Miss, who won just one game last season. Head coach Charles Huff brought a lot of his team from Marshall with him, but could need some time to learn how best to play together. 

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