In Lincoln, Nebraska, the excitement for the upcoming college football season is already building as teams gear up for fall matchups. This year, several Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) teams are aiming for big upsets against Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponents after witnessing six shocking victories last season. With several teams hoping to replicate that success, here’s what you can expect as we look ahead to 2025.
One of the most intriguing potential matchups is when South Dakota takes on Iowa State. With quarterback Aidan Bouman leading the charge, the Coyotes are feeling confident. They had a strong showing last year against Big Ten’s Wisconsin and will be hoping to shock the Big 12 this season. Fans are eager to see how a new head coach will influence the team’s performance.
Moving on, Army will look different this year after the departure of standout quarterback Bryson Daily, who was a sixth-place finisher for the Heisman Trophy. The Black Knights finished last season with an impressive 12-2 record, and in 2025, they’ll face Tarleton State. The Texans, who are starting their season ranked No. 10 in the STATS Perform Poll, will be looking to secure their place as an up-and-coming power within the FCS.
UT Martin is another team to watch, as they will take on two FBS opponents this season, starting with UTEP. Fresh off a previous FBS victory, the Skyhawks should be confident in their ability to upset their rivals. In a similar vein, Sacramento State is bringing in a great transfer class, looking to take advantage of a struggling Nevada team that finished last year with a 3-10 record.
Looking at HBCU football, Jackson State is anticipated to challenge the status quo by attempting to become the first school from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) to defeat an FBS opponent since 2018. They’ll take on Southern Miss, whose predicted performance isn’t too strong this year. Upsets are always possible, and fans are optimistic as they await kickoff.
Last season, Monmouth celebrated a historic win against FIU, and their quarterback Derek Robertson is back with hopes of lighting up the scoreboard again. In contrast, Charlotte has had trouble defensively, which could set the stage for another high-scoring game.
As the countdown to the season continues, teams like Rhode Island are already eyeing potential wins against struggling FBS teams, hoping for what would be a significant upset. With so many exciting matchups on the horizon, college football fans are in for a thrilling season ahead!
