Week Zero of the FCS season is already shaping up to be a showcase of storylines that could define the year. With playoff contenders, historic rivalries and the first steps of teams into new conferences, the opening slate offers a mix of high‑stakes games and surprise opportunities.
One of the most anticipated events is the Birmingham Football Classic, where Alabama State will meet Southern in a clash of HBCU titans. The game also marks the debut of Southern’s new head coach, adding an extra layer of intrigue to a contest that often serves as a barometer for the league’s top teams.
In the Midwest, Prairie View A&M and Tarleton State are set to renew a rivalry that carries national championship aspirations. Prairie View A&M is chasing the label of the best HBCU program, while Tarleton State is looking to reclaim a playoff berth after a strong previous season.
A rematch between Abilene Christian and Lamar adds another layer of drama. The 2025 first‑round FCS playoff game gives both programs a chance to boost their at‑large résumés, and a non‑conference win could be the difference between making the postseason and watching from the sidelines.
New Coaches and Conference Shifts
Monmouth University’s newly hired head coach Jeff Gallo will make his first appearance on the sidelines against Tennessee Tech, a program in its inaugural season within the Southern Conference. The matchup tests both teams as they adjust to fresh leadership and a different competitive environment.
Meanwhile, the debut of Villanova in the Patriot League against William & Mary creates a high‑pressure rivalry. Both schools are eager to avoid a 0‑1 start in conference play, making the game a crucial early test for their league ambitions.
Stony Brook, predicted to finish among the top five in the CAA, will face Delaware State, which enters its second year under head coach DeSean Jackson. The game offers an early gauge of how Jackson’s reforms are shaping the program.
Central Connecticut State and South Dakota, both playoff teams from the previous season, meet in a non‑ranked but high‑stakes contest. South Dakota’s third consecutive coaching change adds an element of unpredictability that could swing the outcome.
Finally, the SoCon/UAC showdown between Chattanooga and West Georgia will be closely watched as a litmus test for conference strength. Both squads hover near the FCS top 25, and the result could influence national rankings as the season progresses.
Overall, Week Zero is more than just a collection of opening games; it is a preview of the narratives that will unfold across the FCS landscape. Whether it’s a historic HBCU classic, a playoff‑hunting rematch, or a coach’s first test in a new league, each contest carries implications that will ripple through the remainder of the season.