By Mark Pszonak
FCS teams annually have numerous opportunities to pull off memorable upsets against their FBS big brothers. However, only a few happen per season. Here are five games to keep an eye on in 2025 that have the potential to end badly for the FBS opponent
Stephen F. Austin at Houston (August 28th)
The skinny: Head coach Willie Fritz’ first season at the P4 level was disappointing, with the Cougars finishing 4-8. Since then, the roster underwent another transfer portal overhaul, which will bring plenty of mystery to the start of the 2025 season. As for the Lumberjacks, they are coming off a 7-5 season, but unlike the Cougars, return most of their starting players, especially on offense. This includes quarterback Sam Vidlak, who started his career at Oregon State, before transferring to Boise State, Montana and then Stephen F. Austin. He has found his footing with the Lumberjacks, especially during a 2024 season when he passed for 2,387 yards, 27 touchdowns and only four interceptions while completing 67.7% of his attempts. The ingredients are all there for an upset.
Abilene Christian at Tulsa (August 30th)
The skinny: Abilene Christian enjoyed a successful 2024 season, that ended at 9-5 after a loss to eventual National Champion North Dakota State in the second round of the playoffs. One of their most impressive performances of the season came during their season opening loss at Texas Tech, 52-51 in overtime. The loss of quarterback Maverick McIvor to the portal was a big one, but the Wildcats added Stone Earle as a capable replacement. Earle actually started his career at Abilene Christian before transferring to North Texas and then Marshall last season. The Wildcats will be visiting a Tulsa team coming off their third straight losing season. While they do return quarterback Kirk Francis, most of the offense will be incoming transfers. The Wildcats weren’t overwhelmed against Texas Tech last season and won’t be in Tulsa.
Incarnate Word at UTSA (September 13th)
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The skinny: After going 32-9 during the previous three seasons, UTSA experienced some struggles in 2024 with a 7-6 finish. The good news for the Roadrunners is that they are returning most of their offense, including quarterback Owen McCown and running back Robert Henry. Defensively, there are concerns. Losing both star linebackers, Martavius French (Colorado) and Jimmori Robinson (West Virginia) to the portal was a big blow, so it will likely take a bit of time for the unit to adjust. Unfortunately for UTSA, those adjustments will have to take place against Texas A&M and Texas State before they host Incarnate Word. This is a good situation for the Cardinals, who are coming off an 11-3 season that ended in a loss in the National Quarterfinals against South Dakota State. Incarnate Word returns a loaded group of receivers, led by All-American Jalen Walthall, but they need to figure out their quarterback situation. Luckily for them, the returning defense, led by end Declan Williams, is experienced. The Cardinals know that this is a huge opportunity for the program, especially against a local FBS program that is only 20 miles away.
Rhode Island at Western Michigan (September 27th)
The skinny: Since a memorable 13-1 season in 2016, Western Michigan has become a middle of the road MAC program. Over this time, the Broncos have gone 47-47 and enter 2025 with three straight losing seasons. They will play Rhode Island after having already made trips to Michigan State and Illinois, and having hosted one of the MAC pre-season favorites, Toledo, the week before. This is a great time for Rhode Island to roll into town. The Rams, who finished 11-3 in 2024, are led by dual-threat quarterback Devin Farrell and All-American defensive end A.J. Pena. The Rams were a defensive team in 2024, which should still be their strength in 2025. Considering Western Michigan’s schedule in the weeks leading up to the game against the Rams, don’t be surprised if the Broncos let their foot off the pedal which plays into Rhode Island’s hands.
Idaho at Washington State (August 30th)
The skinny: The Washington State program has undergone an absurd amount of turmoil in recent years. Most notable was the fallout of the PAC-12 chaos, but more recently the Cougars saw their head coach Jake Dickert leave for Wake Forest and their star quarterback, John Mateer, transfer to Oklahoma. They need to get everything figured out quickly, because Idaho arrives for the 2025 season opener. The Vandals finished the 2024 season at 10-4, and along the way put a serious scare into Oregon and defeated Wyoming. They are dealing with their own head coaching change, with Jason Eck taking the job at New Mexico, and also lost major pieces on both offense and defense. But new head coach Thomas Ford Jr. has done a very good job replenishing the roster. The Vandals have momentum and have a very good chance to keep it going with a win in Pullman.
