Grambling Sets Date With Ohio State Along With Numerous FCS Schedule Updates

Grambling State and Ohio State will meet for the first time on Saturday, September 6, 2025. The 2025 matchup will also be the first time that Grambling State has played a Big Ten opponent. The contest came to fruition after Ohio State and Connecticut agreed to cancel the 2025 matchup with Grambling set to receive a $1 million payout. The total number of future FCS versus FBS matchups is 449 for the 2024 through 2034 seasons. A full list of those games can be found here.

In 2024 scheduling news, McNeese’s Week Zero matchup at Tarleton State has been set for 3:30 PM Eastern Time on Saturday, August 24. The game will be televised on ESPNU. Staying with the theme of openers, South Dakota State’s week one game at Oklahoma State will kick off at 2 PM Eastern Time on Saturday, August 31 and will be televised on ESPN+.

In other 2024 news, Mercyhurst has finalized its schedule for the program’s inaugural year in the FCS. The Lakers have added the non-affiliated Lincoln University out of Oakland, California, which gives them four non-Division I opponents in 2024. In the past month, Mercyhurst has added games against Montana State and NCAA Division III’s Buffalo State for the 2024 season. The FCS has 57 non-Division I opponents scheduled for the 2024 season.

Western Illinois and Morehead State will meet in 2026, according to FBSchedules. Morehead State will make the trek to Macomb, Illinois to play on Saturday, September 26 in the second meeting between the schools. Western Illinois hosted the first meeting and won 31-6 in 2006.

Finally, Youngstown State has added a trio of games for the 2025 and 2028 seasons, according to FBSchedules. The Penguins have added a home game against Mercyhurst (first-ever matchup) on Thursday, August 28, 2025 and the start of a home-and-home series against Towson on Saturday, September 20. The first game will be hosted by Towson with YSU playing host three years later on Saturday, September 16, 2028. Youngstown State holds a 4-0 record in the series winning annually from 1988 through 1991. FBSchedules also notes that a previously scheduled game against Butler on Thursday, August 28, 2025 will likely be moved to a new date or possibly canceled following the addition of Mercyhurst for the same date.

Photo Credit to Grambling State University Athletics