After back-to-back seasons with a record number of FCS versus FBS matchups, the 2026 season is poised to continue that trend. At the time of posting, 127 FCS versus FBS games were scheduled for 2026. This represents a one-game increase over last year, although the 2026 schedule is subject to change. There were 126 FCS-FBS matchups in 2025, while 121 FCS-FBS matchups took place in 2024.
Of the 127 FCS programs currently scheduled to compete for the 2026 season, 100 schools will play at least one FBS team in 2025. 74 FCS teams will play one FBS opponent, 25 will play two FBS foes, and one team will play three FBS teams (Mercyhurst will dive right into the money games). A full breakdown of matchups by FCS and FBS conferences can be found at the bottom of the page.
There are currently no week zero FCS-FBS matchups scheduled, while week one has “only” 48 games, noticeably lower than the record of 59 opening week games in 2024. 27 FCS programs currently do not have an FBS opponent lined up for the 2026 season, while 13 FBS programs don’t have an FCS opponent scheduled. Two FBS schools, both from the MAC, have more than one FCS team scheduled for 2026: Buffalo and UMass. The CUSA and Sun Belt affiliations may change depending on when Louisiana Tech’s move becomes effective this season.
The interactive chart below shows the number of games, FCS wins, yearly win percentage, and running win percentage for each season since 1978. The second table shows each conference’s (in alphabetical order) number of matchups and a list of all said matchups. The main table with all the 2026 FCS-FBS matchups can be found here. The table will be updated as the 2026 season unfolds to reflect any changes to kickoff dates, times, television broadcasts, and scores. Please note that all kickoff times will be listed in Eastern Time.
Photo Credit to Mercyhurst University Athletics
