Rating the top-10 FCS soccer video games in Week Zero

Week Zero is right here and whereas each FCS staff isn’t in motion, quite a lot of FCS groups are. Here are the highest video games you must attempt to catch because the season begins.

1. Prairie View A&M at No. 5 Tarleton State

Prairie View A&M and Tarleton State get my spot for the highest recreation in Week Zero. It incorporates a defending convention champion within the Panthers and a preseason top-five staff within the Texans. The stakes are excessive for each groups, as Tarleton appears to rebound from a disappointing loss in final yr’s FCS quarterfinals whereas Prairie View appears to bounce again from a heartbreaking defeat within the Celebration Bowl.

A win for Prairie View elevates it into the dialogue for the nation’s greatest HBCU soccer staff and can showcase the fast turnaround of this system from head coach Tremain Jackson. A win for Tarleton reveals that the Texans are prepared but once more to compete on the prime of the FCS with nationwide championship aspirations.

2. No. 14 Abilene Christian at No. 21 Lamar

Abilene Christian visits Lamar in a rematch of a 2025 first-round FCS playoff recreation in one other probably the greatest nonconference video games within the FCS this season. This time ACU is on the highway. This ranked battle must be thrilling as each groups look to return to the playoffs this fall. A win for both permits for a possible slip up in convention play as a result of a top quality nonconference win will increase the at-large resume three months from now.

3. No. 23 Monmouth at No. 15 Tennessee Tech

Tennessee Tech is one other playoff staff from final yr placing itself to the check. In comes a new-look Monmouth staff that may have a brand new head coach for the primary time in program historical past in Jeff Gallo.

Meanwhile, TTU can be in a brand new convention, the SoCon. A Week Zero win for both sends an announcement to the remainder of the FCS {that a} program stays within the dialogue with the subdivision’s greatest. A loss will create questions on whether or not or not 2026 can be a transitionary yr.

4. William & Mary at No. 7 Villanova

An extended-standing FCS rivalry may have an added twist when William & Mary faces Villanova in Week Zero. The two former CAA groups have each joined the Patriot League this fall. Each groups’ convention debut will come towards a well-recognized foe, however this rivalry recreation carries extra significance than ordinary with it opening the season. No staff needs to begin 0-1 in convention play.

5. Alabama A&M vs. Howard at MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta, GA

The MEAC/SWAC Challenge was one of many solely FCS video games to open the yr earlier than the calendar acquired extra jam-packed this fall. However, this yr’s recreation ought to nonetheless be thrilling as Alabama A&M and Howard meet in Atlanta.

This recreation might set the tone for 2 middling HBCU groups that seem evenly matched on paper. The winner of this one might carry this recreation as momentum for a possible Celebration Bowl run.

6. No. 16 Southern Illinois at West Florida

Former Division II energy West Florida makes its FCS debut towards a Southern Illinois staff with playoff expectations this fall. The Salukis even have some of the dynamic quarterbacks within the FCS in DJ Williams. Week Zero presents a right away check to see if West Florida can proceed its successful methods whereas shifting up a degree.

7. Stony Brook at Delaware State

Stony Brook was predicted to complete within the prime 5 of the CAA this fall, grabbing a first-place vote within the convention’s preseason ballot. Delaware State is coming off of its greatest season in years and this season-opening recreation marks the beginning of yr two of DeSean Jackson’s tenure. 

Last yr DSU’s nonconference opponents included UAlbany, Saint Francis and Sacred Heart. Stony Brook in 2026 presents a a lot greater check to see if Coach Jac is prepared for his program to take the following step up the FCS tier record.

8. Central Connecticut State at No. 12 South Dakota

South Dakota and Central Connecticut State is one other matchup of two playoff groups from final yr. However, it solely ranks No. 8 on this record since it isn’t a matchup of two ranked groups.

Don’t take Central Connecticut State flippantly although. The Blue Devils have made the playoffs in every of the final two seasons. In each first-round video games,. CCSU solely misplaced by one possession.

South Dakota enters the sport with a unique head coach for the third straight season, so something can occur on this high quality nonconference battle.

9. Chattanooga at West Georgia

Chattanooga visits West Georgia in a matchup between the SoCon and UAC. The Mocs acquired 9 votes within the coaches ballot, whereas the Wolves acquired 25 votes within the Stats Perform ballot. Both groups are hovering across the entry mark into the highest 25. While UWG can’t make the FCS playoffs this yr, this nonconference conflict may very well be pivotal for an evaluation of convention power come November. 

10. Southern vs Alabama State in Birmingham Football Classic in Birmingham, AL

This matchup options arguably the highest staff in HBCU soccer in Alabama State dealing with one of many latest coaches in HBCU soccer at Southern. Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk leads the Jaguars into Birmingham towards the reigning HBCU Player of the Year quarterback Andrew Body and the Hornets.

The two faculties are assembly in a impartial website contest to open the season. While each groups play within the SWAC, the sport will function a nonconference contest between the 2 faculties.