South Dakota’s Bob Nielson Retiring, Travis Johansen Named New Head Coach

Bob Nielson has retired as head coach of the South Dakota Coyotes (MVFC). The Coyotes are coming off the school’s best season as an FCS program and named defensive coordinator Travis Johansen as Nielson’s replacement. Nielson guided USD since 2016 reaching the FCS playoffs once in his first five seasons but took the program to … Read more

NCAA Reclassification Policy Change Paves Path for Quicker FCS Playoff Eligibility

The NCAA has changed its reclassification policy providing FCS programs a path to compete in the playoffs a year sooner. Schools will have to meet all the criteria in order to be granted the accelerated reclassification. The specific criteria have not been revealed as noted by St. Thomas, which anticipates compliance when the new rules … Read more

Incarnte Word Adds Baylor for 2027 Season

The Incarnate Word Cardinals (Southland) have added a 2027 matchup against the Baylor Bears (Big 12), according to the school’s athletic site and as reported by FBSchedules. The two teams will meet in Waco, Texas on Saturday, September 4, 2027, in what is currently scheduled to be the first football matchup between the schools. Incarnate … Read more

Mercyhurst Schedules New Mexico for 2026 Season

The Mercyhurst Lakers (NEC) have added a 2026 matchup against the New Mexico Lobos (Mountain West) for the 2026 season, as announced by UNM. As of this posting, it is the first publicly known FBS opponent for Mercyhurst since the Lakers joined the FCS in 2024. Mercyhurst’s first FCS season saw the team go 4-7 … Read more

UT Martin Schedules 3 FBS Opponents for 2025

The Tennessee Martin Skyhawks (Big South-OVC) announced their 2025 schedule, which includes three FBS opponents in the opening four games. The Skyhawks will open at Oklahoma State (Big 12) on Saturday, August 30, followed by UTEP (C-USA) a week later on September 6. It will be the first meeting for UT Martin against the Cowboys … Read more

Chicago State Aiming for First FCS Season in 2026

The Chicago State Cougars are hoping to field a football team by the 2026 season, according to CollegeAD. Chicago State is also planning to hire a coach by February. CSU originally announced fundraising efforts in September 2023 but has not made any official announcements since then. Chicago State set a fundraising goal of $4 million … Read more

Saint Francis and Louisiana-Monroe to Meet in 2025

The Saint Francis Red Flash (NEC) and Louisiana-Monroe Warkhawks are set to meet in 2025, according to ULM athletic director John Hartwell as first reported by FBSchedules. A specific date was not provided other than the game will open the season for ULM. Saint Francis and ULM have not met in football. Saint Francis is … Read more

Duquesne Schedules Matchup Against Pittsburgh for 2025 Season

The Duquesne Dukes (NEC) announced they will open the 2025 season at the Pittsburgh Panthers (ACC). The two teams will meet in the “City Game” (or “Battle of the Burgh“) on Saturday, August 30. The two programs haven’t met since 1939 and have only played 7 times in total. Pitt holds a 5-2 lead in … Read more

North Dakota State Wins 10th FCS National Championship

The North Dakota State Bison (MVFC) survived a second half comeback by the Montana State Bobcats (Big Sky) to win the school’s 10th FCS National Championship. Cam Miller went 19 of 22 for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air and added another 121 yards and 2 touchdowns on 18 carries as the Bison … Read more

Big Sky and ESPN Extend Media Rights Deal for Five Years

The Big Sky and ESPN have agreed to a five-year extension of its media rights deal that will run from the 2025-26 academic year through the 2029-30 academic year. Big Sky Commissioner Tom Wistrcill originally announced some of the details in July 2024. The Big Sky and ESPN began their partnership with the 2021-22 academic … Read more