Week 1 FCS football is HERE, and the gridiron action is heating up! Get ready for a slate of intense matchups, bold predictions, and potential upsets. Will your favorite team make a statement, or will new contenders emerge? Dive into our comprehensive preview and see who we think will dominate the national landscape!
The electrifying atmosphere of Week 1 FCS football for the 2025 season is officially upon us, promising a thrilling slate of matchups that could significantly reshape the national landscape from the very beginning. Following an intriguing Week 0, teams across the country are eager to make an early statement, with several games featuring top-ranked teams and emerging contenders battling for crucial out-of-conference victories and a stronger position in the FCS Playoff picture.
One of the most anticipated contests pits North Carolina Central against New Hampshire in a fierce “Battle of Durham.” NCCU enters Week 1 with momentum after a dominant Week 0 performance, showcasing a potent rushing attack led by Chris Mosley. However, New Hampshire’s defense, despite new faces, will be challenged to contain the Eagles. The Wildcats’ offense, ranked 116th nationally in yards per play last season, faces a pivotal test with a new quarterback, needing to capitalize on weapons like Caleb Burke against a stout NCCU defense.
Further intensifying the Week 1 schedule, defending national champions North Dakota State face The Citadel. NDSU introduces a new starting quarterback in the athletic Cole Payton, who benefits from an elite receiving corps, including FCS All-American Bryce Lance. The Citadel, under Maurice Drayton, showed significant improvement last season and returns 11 key defensive contributors, making them a potential dark horse in the SoCon. Despite their progress, the Bison’s defensive continuity, especially in the secondary with stars like Anthony Chideme-Alfaro and Jailen Duffie, poses a formidable challenge for The Citadel’s aspirations.
Incarnate Word finds itself in a must-win situation after a stunning Week 0 upset loss, with a gauntlet of ranked and FBS opponents looming. Eastern Washington, perennially strong offensively, features promising quarterback Jared Taylor and potential breakout receiver Jaxon Branch. The Cardinals’ offensive line and turnover issues were glaring in Week 0, raising questions against an EWU defense that struggled last year. Yet, UIW’s defensive unit, featuring dynamic playmakers like Declan Williams, Michael Pleas, and John Mathis, is well-equipped to exploit Eastern Washington’s young offensive line, potentially dictating the game’s pace and outcome.
A compelling Patriot League rivalry renews as Lehigh, the defending conference champions, clash with Richmond, making their conference debut. Lehigh’s defense, ranked 10th nationally in defensive YPP last season and returning 15 significant contributors, is anchored by All-American defensive lineman Matt Spatny and an experienced linebacker core. This formidable unit will pressure Richmond quarterback Kyle Wickersham, who aims to rebound from an injury-plagued season and lead a largely revamped offense, making the Spiders’ ability to protect him crucial for success in this pivotal game.
Perhaps the most intriguing out-of-conference spectacle features the highly-hyped Sacramento State, showcasing the No. 1 FCS transfer portal class, against South Dakota State. Sacramento State’s offense, led by former Georgia quarterback Jaden Rashada and featuring FCS All-American Jamar Curtis and talented FBS transfers, will test SDSU’s defense, which returns only one starter but boasts significant depth and talent, particularly at linebacker with Joe Ollman and Chase Van Tol. The battle at the line of scrimmage will be key, as South Dakota State’s dominant rushing attack, anchored by All-American Julius Loughridge and a robust offensive line, looks to control possession and wear down the Hornets’ defense, potentially determining the victor in this marquee FCS football encounter.
As the Week 1 FCS football schedule unfolds, each game carries immense weight, offering early insights into team strengths, potential weaknesses, and the overall trajectory of the season. These initial matchups serve as crucial proving grounds for both established powerhouses and aspiring challengers, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable journey towards the FCS Playoff and ultimately, the national championship.
