Offseason in the FCS

[s--k]

I'm going over some roster data this spring to be in a better position this summer for the season. But I wanted to post about 2025 FCS football! Probably will be active here for the next couple weeks posting some stuff.

Coaching Changes: (copy and pasted from Hero Sports)

Last offseason, there were 30 FCS head coaching changes. That was up from 28 in 2023 and 22 in 2022.

As of March 10, there are 23 head coaching changes.

Northern Iowa
Departing coach: Mark Farley
Date: 11/10
Reason: Retired at the conclusion of the season
New hire: Todd Stepsis (Drake HC)

Prairie View A&M
Departing coach: Bubba McDowell
Date: 11/24
Reason: Contract will not be renewed
New hire: Tremaine Jackson (Valdosta State HC)

Valparaiso
Departing coach: Landon Fox
Date: 11/24
Reason: Contract will not be renewed
New hire: Andy Waddle (Marietta College HC)

McNeese
Departing coach: Gary Goff
Date: 11/25
Reason: “After evaluating our football program, I felt a change in leadership was necessary.” – McNeese AD Heath Schroyer
New hire: Matt Viator (former McNeese HC)

Davidson
Departing coach: Scott Abell
Date: 11/26
Reason: Resigned to accept the head coaching position at Rice
New hire: Saj Thakkar (Bentley University HC)

Norfolk State
Departing coach: Dawson Odums
Date: 11/26
Reason: “Change in leadership”
New hire: Michael Vick (former NFL QB)

North Dakota
Departing coach: Bubba Schweigert
Date: 11/30
Reason: Stepped down and moved into a senior administrative role at UND
New hire: Eric Schmidt (San Diego State DC)

Nicholls
Departing coach: Tim Rebowe
Date: 12/1
Reason: Retired
New hire: Tommy Rybacki (Nicholls DC)

Colgate
Departing coach: Stan Dakosty
Date: 12/2
Reason: “Change in leadership”
New hire: Curt Fitzpatrick (Cortland State HC)

Alabama A&M
Departing coach: Connell Maynor
Date: 12/2
Reason: “Relieved from his duties”
New hire: Sam Shade (Miles College HC)

Drake
Departing coach: Todd Stepsis
Date: 12/3
Reason: Stepped down to accept the UNI head coach opening
New hire: Joe Woodley (Grand View University HC)

Stetson
Departing coach: Brian Young
Date: 12/3
Reason: Resigned to pursue other opportunities
New hire: Mike Jasper (Bethel HC)

Delaware State
Departing coach: Lee Hull
Date: 12/3
Reason: Fired
New hire: DeSean Jackson (former NFL WR)

Butler
Departing coach: Mike Uremovich
Date: 12/4
Reason: Resigned to accept the head coaching position at Ball State
New hire: Kevin Lynch (Ball State OC)

North Carolina A&T
Departing coach: Vincent Brown
Date: 12/4
Reason: “Relieving him of his duties”
New hire: Shawn Gibbs (Fort Valley State HC)

Mississippi Valley State
Departing coach: Kendrick Wade
Date: 12/4
Reason: Fired
New hire: Terrell Buckley (Orlando Guardians HC)

Sacramento State
Departing coach: Andy Thompson
Date: 12/6
Reason: Resigned to join the Stanford coaching staff
New hire: Brennan Marion (UNLV OC)

ETSU
Departing coach: Tre Lamb
Date: 12/8
Reason: Resigned to accept the head coaching position at Tulsa
New hire: Will Healy (Georgia State assistant HC)

Idaho
Departing coach: Jason Eck
Date: 12/14
Reason: Resigned to accept the head coaching position at New Mexico
New hire: Thomas Ford (Oregon State RBs coach)

South Dakota State
Departing coach: Jimmy Rogers
Date: 12/28
Reason: Resigned to accept the head coaching position at Washington State
New hire: Dan Jackson (Idaho DC)

South Dakota
Departing coach: Bob Nielson
Date: 1/16
Reason: Retired
New hire: Travis Johansen (South Dakota DC)

UAlbany
Departing coach: Greg Gattuso
Date: 2/5
Reason: Stepped down to join the Penn State staff
New hire: 2025 Interim: Jared Ambrose (UAlbany OC)

Tennessee State
Departing coach: Eddie George
Date: 3/9
Reason: Resigned to accept the head coaching position at Bowling Green
New hire: Reggie Barlow (D.C. Defenders HC)

Conference Alignment Changes, moving up, moving down, gone to FBS and playoffs

Alignment Changes:
Richmond goes from the CAA to the Patriot League

Moving up:
2025 is University Texas Rio Grande's inaugural football season and will be a Southland Conference member

Moving down:
Next year, 2026, St Francis will move to Dlll

Gone to FBS:
Delaware and Missouri State

Playoff changes:
Ivy League will participate in the 24 team playoff field for 2025. St Thomas is playoff eligible for the first time this year.

FCS vs FBS (selectively copied from Fear the FCS)

The 121 FCS-FBS matchups in 2024 were a record. There were six FCS over FBS wins in 2024, which is two higher than in 2023 but below the 8 recorded in 2022 and half of 2021’s 12 FCS wins.

The average margin of defeat for the FCS in 2024 was 31.09 points per game, which is the second worst behind 2018’s average margin of 31.13. The other stat was the number of games in which FCS teams were shut out by their FBS opponents. In 2024, it happened 17 times, which is one less than the record of 18 set in 2022. Those two are worth keeping an eye on to see if things improve following roster limit implementations under the House settlement.

2024 FCS Versus FBS Matchups in Review

The 2024 FCS season is entering the playoffs so let’s provide a recap of all 121 FCS versus FBS matchups this year. The 121 FCS-FBS matchups in 2024 were a record and the 2025 season already has over…

fearthefcs.com

Chart on the link above is sortable for FBS pt totals vs FCS teams, FBS teams scored 40+ pts vs their FCS opponents 62% of the time (75 out of 121 games), in 32 of those games or 26% overall the FBS team scored 50+ pts.


I don't know the exact numbers, but I do know many times the FBS team gets the full game Over themselves when they play FCS. I may look into that for last year's numbers.

By my count the FCS ATS vs FBS 2024 59-60-2 on closing offshore lines that I recorded from maddux sports. That record includes two FCS teams that were favored over the FBS (Montana State -13 at NewMex (no cover) and UT Martin -1.5 at Kennesaw (cover)). I may dig into these numbers further detail. I didn't keep track of 1H and 2H lines last year, not sure if any of the online ATS tracking sites did?

 

[s--k]

ESPN first reported Wednesday that Sac State was planning on filing a waiver to transition from the FCS to the FBS, which was later confirmed by university president Luke Wood to the Sacramento Bee.

The plan is to play football in the FCS' Big Sky in 2025 before jumping to the FBS in 2026 as an independent. It would then be eligible for the FBS postseason in 2027. Life as an independent in the FBS isn't easy, so the end goal would be to join a conference, potentially the MW. In recent months, Sac State has laid out an ambitious plan to invest heavily into athletic, including a potential $200 million to $250 million new football stadium. Making the transition to the FBS comes with a $5 million fee plus spending a minimum of $6 million annually on scholarships.

Sac State’s Path To FBS Independent Approval​

Last week, Sacramento State filed an application with the NCAA to transition from the FCS to be an FBS independent member. The school had already filed a waiver to make this transition, which is required because a team needs a conference invite to move from the FCS to the FBS.

It’s important to note that this is not necessarily an NCAA office decision on whether or not to grant Sac State a waiver. These sorts of decisions go through a voting/approval process from different committees, boards, and/or councils with representatives from schools and conferences.

Sac State’s approval process will start with the FBS Oversight Committee, which is made up of mostly FBS conference/school admins. It would then go to the Division I Council, which is made up of conference/school admins from 32 D1 conferences.

The FBS Oversight Committee’s next meeting is on April 10.

It’s no secret that FBS leaders, especially those in the Power 4, do not want to see the FBS grow by adding more FCS teams. Some within the Mountain West Conference wanted to add North Dakota State, but MWC presidents instead voted to invite Northern Illinois as a football-only member, and a big reason for that was wanting to add an already-established FBS program.

Sac State has a strong pitch to join the FBS as an independent due to its location, facility upgrades, and reported community financial support.

However, its fate is essentially up to other FBS schools and conference representatives. Will these FBS leaders deny Sac State’s request to join their subdivision as an independent? Will a “no” answer result in a lawsuit from Sac State, so they’ll say “yes” to avoid that headache? Is there a concern of opening the floodgates and a precedent if they say yes and we see other FCS programs try to take this same FBS independent route? How does the future pathway from FCS to FBS look as NCAA governance sees some changes?

It’ll certainly be interesting to see how it unfolds. Liberty was able to make a similar jump in the 2010s. Sac State hopes to follow that same path. FCS Daily Dose: Sac State's Path To FBS Independent Approval + USD Loses 2 Standouts + SDSU Adds Key OL Transfer

 

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Of the 128 FCS programs for the 2025 season, 94 schools will play at least one FBS team in 2025. 63 will play one FBS opponent, 30 will play two FBS foes, and one team (UT Martin courtesy of Missouri State moving to Conference USA) will play three FBS teams. 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” 47 games, noticeably lower than the record of 59 opening week games in 2024.

The Ivy League and Pioneer Football League are not scheduled to play any FBS opponents in 2025. In addition to the 19 combined teams from the Ivy League and PFL without an FBS opponent, 15 other FCS programs do not have an FBS team lined up for 2025: Georgetown (Patriot) Hampton (MEAC), Lehigh (Patriot), Mercyhurst (NEC), Mississippi Valley State (SWAC), Montana (Big Sky), North Dakota State (MVFC), Sacred Heart (Independent), South Dakota State (MVFC), Southern Utah (UAC), Stonehill (NEC), Tennessee State (OVC-Big South), Utah Tech (UAC), UTRGV (Southland), and West Georgia (UAC). The list could change as schedules are finalized.

Every FBS conference is slated to face at least one FCS program and 10 FBS teams are not scheduled to play against an FCS opponent in 2025: Colorado (Big 12), Michigan (Big Ten), Notre Dame (Independent), Sam Houston State (C-USA), Stanford (ACC), Texas (SEC), Tulane (American), UCLA (Big Ten), USC (Big Ten), and Wisconsin (Big Ten). That number could change as schedules are finalized for the 2025 season.

Above is from Fear the FCS - 2025 FCS Versus FBS Matchups

I'm in no position yet to formulate any opinions as I haven't looked in-depth at the transfer portal moves. The spring portal movements are significant and I'm just letting the dust settle on all the moves until I see who is gone or who is new.

Last year was disappointing in that only 6 FCS teams pulled upsets. I had thought there could be as many as 10-12 last summer I believe. There were some very close calls:

ACU failed on a 2pt play in OT to lose to Texas Tech by 1

UCA lost with :03 on a Central Arkansas TD catch that was actually incomplete, but the TD was upheld

UTC only lost by 3 at Georgia State although it didn't really feel like they were capable of winning it

Gardner Webb was up 20-3 3Q on Charlotte, but then trailed 20-27. GW scored TD in the final minute, but went for 2 and failed to lose by 1. (GW +41 ttl yards). Previously GW only lost to JMU 6-13 (GW only -16 ttl yards).

NDSU led CU 20-17 at HT and only lost by 5 (NDSU -55 ttl yards)

Tennessee Tech was down 0-21, but led 25-24 with 1:06 left, before MTSU scored TD with :16 for the win

That is 6 more that the FCS could've got. Although in fairness, Southern Utah's win at UTEP was possible because UTEP missed two FGs at the end of regulation and in OT. And FIU fumbled just before crossing the goal line going into the EZ trailing by 3 with just :32 left in the game. So a couple lucky wins there perhaps.

 

[s--k]

I haven't watched the NFL draft in many years. I do have interest now in seeing what FCS guys get picked. This article was pretty good documenting the decline in FCS draft picks the last several years with the transfer portal being the primary factor. OL is still an area that FCS prospects are still getting drafted at the same rate.

“I am not saying this because I coached the O-line for a lot of years,” Ferrante said, “but I believe the reason the offensive line position has stayed is because the guys that play O-line are probably the most loyal guys that play the game. They don’t care as much about the ‘headlines’ and don’t have the same level of ‘ego’ that other positional players have.”


Said Polasek: “Most FCS offensive linemen are lacking something when they are high school sophomores, and that is who the P4’s (FBS Power Four conferences) are recruiting. They lack either strength, height and/or weight. Their confidence grows with success, and that takes time for process and potential to come together.”

FCS OL prospects will be the first off the board from the subdivision next week, 4 of the top 5 likely FCS draft picks are expected to be OL.

How Can FCS College Football Stop Its Steep Decline in NFL Draft Picks? | Opta Analyst

The drop in FCS NFL Draft selections is 34 percent this decade. Here’s why it’s happening and whether the decline can be changed.

theanalyst.com

 

[s--k]

Only 8 strictly FCS players drafted. There were 15 total if you count those that transferred up and spent just 1 year at FBS, which a lot of people in FCS media count as an FCS draft pick if they spent 2023 at FCS and 2024 at FBS. They do not however count players who spent multiple years at FBS after transferring up (like Cam Ward or Travis Hunter).

I don't like counting guys who played their final year at FBS after transferring up, personally I think only pure FCS non-transfer picks should count.

The 8 strictly FCS players:

Rd 1 - Zabel OL NDSU
Rd 3 - Grant OL W&M
Rd 4 - Walker DE UCA
Rd 5 - Vinson OL Ala AM
Rd 5 - Slater OL SacSt
Rd 6 - Mellot QB MSU
Rd 6 - Miller QB NDSU
Rd 7 - Bergen WR-AP Mont

Now everyone else gets their shots at camp invites and free agent deals. Makes preseason a little more interesting to see how some guys do and who makes the cuts. And interesting that the Raiders selected both Mellot and Miller (the two legendary QBs at their respective programs who faced off vs eachother in the Championship game this past January).

 

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By my count the FCS ATS vs FBS 2024 59-60-2 on closing offshore lines that I recorded from maddux sports. That record includes two FCS teams that were favored over the FBS (Montana State -13 at NewMex (no cover) and UT Martin -1.5 at Kennesaw (cover)). I may dig into these numbers further detail.

I did dig in further to 2024:

FCS vs ACC -- 9-6-1 ATS, 9-7 Over on closing line
FCS vs Big 10 -- 6-7 ATS, 10-3 Under
FCS vs Big Xll -- 9-5 ATS, 7-7 Totals
FCS vs Pac-2 -- 1-1 ATS, 1-1 Totals
FCS vs SEC -- 3-11-1 ATS, 11-3-1 Over

FCS vs P4 competition 28-30-2 ATS
Overs FCS vs P4 31-28-1 (13 shutouts)

FCS vs AAC -- 5-8 ATS, 8-5 Under
FCS vs CUSA -- 6-2 ATS (3 outright FCS wins), 5-3 Under
FCS vs MAC -- 4-7 ATS (1 outright FCS win), 6-5 Under
FCS vs MWC -- 8-5 ATS (2 outright FCS wins), 8-5 Over
FCS vs Sun Belt -- 7-6 ATS, 9-3-1 Under
FCS vs Independent -- 1-2 ATS, 2-1 Over

FCS vs G5 + Ind competition 31-30 ATS
Overs FCS vs G5 + Ind 26-34-1 (4 shutouts)

7 of the FCS 9 covers vs ACC came by 3 pts or less. The 9 covers the FCS had vs the Big Xll came by an average of 11.27. 3 of the 6 FCS covers vs the Big 10 were by 2.5 pts or less.

SEC not only dominated their FCS opponents last year to the 11-3-1 record, but when they covered they did so by an average of 13.86 ppg, it would be higher but dominent wins by Bama vs Mercer, UK vs Murray, Mizzou vs Murray and SC vs Wofford skew the overall spread margin of victory down due to the high spreads in those games (avg margin of victory 45.5 in those 4, but avg cover in those by just 1.25). 7 of the 11 covered by more than a TD and 6 of 11 covered by 19.5 or more. The 3 FCS teams that covered vs SEC did so by 13ppg, which is aided by Nicholls 23.5 pt cover vs LSU. The other two FCS covers vs SEC in McNeese and Tenn Tech were by 5.5 and 10 respectively in which they did so despite being shutout in the first halfs of both those games.

There were also 11 Overs in the SEC vs FCS games and of those 11 Overs, 7 SEC teams got the game Over themselves. 4 of the 15 games were shutouts.

All told of the 31 Overs in FCS v P4 games, 14 P4 teams got the Over themselves (and 7 of those 14 were SEC). In the G5 games there were 26 Overs, but only 6 of those teams got the game total themselves.

Further on totals, the Big 10 was opposite the SEC in that 10 of their 13 games went Under with 5 shutouts. Counting 1H and 2Hs seperately, Big 10 teams shutout their FCS opponents in 17 of the 26 total halves. 5 of these 13 games were shutouts.

 

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William & Mary to join the Patriot League for football in 2026. This is on the heels of Richmond also leaving the CAA for the Patriot League (this year). CAA lost Delaware to the FBS this year. Only 5 of the original CAA teams remain. Adding MEAC teams and the likes of Bryant to bolster the conference hasn't sat well with the powers that be. Will be interesting to see who else is moving somewhere. Hampton and NC A&T should move back the MEAC where they belong with their other HBCU rivals which would make the MEAC better as well.

 

[steponaduck]

6 FBS + FCS games did not complete 55 minutes so therefore the ATS and o/u were not paid out by most places, and should be omitted from record keeping for that reason. The action would have been voided.

Wonderful work this offseason brother.

 

[s--k]

6 FBS + FCS games did not complete 55 minutes so therefore the ATS and o/u were not paid out by most places, and should be omitted from record keeping for that reason. The action would have been voided.

Wonderful work this offseason brother.

Thank you, I'm not aware which ones those are

 

[steponaduck]

Just off hand without researching

Northwestern state vs south ala
Ark pB vs Arkansas

We’re two of the 6

 

[s--k]

7 FCS players taken in CFL draft

Rd 1 - White WR Montana
Rd 2 - Harris DL Montana
Rd 2 - Vaughn TE North Dakota
Rd 3 - Vibert OL SDSU
Rd 5 - Corcoran WR UNH
Rd 6 - Choquette RB LIU
Rd 8 - King DB TxAM Com (now East Tx AM)

Post-draft FCS player CFL UDFA and camp invites:

Artopoeus QB UTC (Winnepeg)
Collins OL EKU (Saskatchewan)
Haney DB San Diego (Hamilton)
Hastings QB UC Davis (Ottawa)
CJ Hutton WR UC Davis (Edmonton)
Jones DB NCCU (BC)
Marotta OL Albany (Edmonton)
Munlin OL EKU (Montreal)
Poncius OL NDSU (Montreal)
Smith DB Nicholls (Hamilton)



Post-draft FCS player NFL UDFA and camp invites (via FCS Central SI.com)

UDFA Contracts: 62
Minicamp Invites: 92
UPDATED: 5:00 p.m. CT (May 1)

Undrafted Free Agent Signings:​

Player	NFL Team
Abilene Christian WR Blayne Taylor	Indianapolis Colts
Alabama State/Western Kentucky Kisean Johnson	Baltimore Ravens
Cal Poly EDGE Elijah Ponder	New England Patriots
Campbell/UNLV Hajj-Malik Williams	Las Vegas Raiders
Central Arkansas RB ShunDerrick Powell	Philadelphia Eagles
Central Arkansas DB Tamuarion Wilson	Buffalo Bills
Chattanooga/Cincinnati WR Jamoi Mayes	Cincinnati Bengals
Chattanooga DB Reuben Lowery	Baltimore Ravens
Delaware RB Marcus Yarns	New Orleans Saints
Delaware DB Tyron Herring	Green Bay Packers
Delaware State RB Jaden Sutton	Washington Commanders
East Texas A&M/Texas State CB Jordan Polk	New England Patriots
Eastern Kentucky DB Mike Smith Jr.	Dallas Cowboys
Eastern Washington WR Efton Chism III	New England Patriots
Elon WR Chandler Brayboy	Jacksonville Jaguars
Elon RB Rushawn Baker	New York Giants
Florida A&M DB Kendall Bohler	Denver Broncos
Gardner-Webb WR Jordan Bly	New York Giants
Harvard/Virginia TE Tyler Neville	Dallas Cowboys
Idaho DB Tommy McCormick	New York Giants
Illinois State DE Jalan Gaines	Seattle Seahawks
Illinois State DB Keondre Jackson	Baltimore Ravens
Jackson State/FAU DL Devonta Davis	Indianapolis Colts
Jackson State DB Robert McDaniel	Washington Commanders
Maine/FAU DB Kahzir Brown	Green Bay Packers
Merrimack OL Cole Birdow	New England Patriots
Merrimack/Old Dominion TE Pat Conroy	Las Vegas Raiders
Missouri State RB Jacardia Wright	Seattle Seahawks
Monmouth/Rutgers WR Dymere Miller	New York Jets
Monmouth RB Sone Ntoh	Baltimore Ravens
Montana DE Hayden Harris	Buffalo Bills
Montana State/California OL Rush Reimer	Buffalo Bills
Montana State/Washington DT Sebastian Valdez	Washington Commanders
New Hampshire/Minnesota QB Max Brosmer	Minnesota Vikings
New Hampshire DB Wande Owens	Buffalo Bills
North Carolina A&T OL Jason Ivey	Cleveland Browns
North Carolina Central WR Joaquin Davis	Denver Broncos
North Carolina Central/South Carolina OL Torricelli Simpkins	New Orleans Saints
North Dakota/Kansas State OL Easton Kilty	New Orleans Saints
North Dakota State DL Eli Mostaert	Jacksonville Jaguars
North Dakota State OL Mason Miller	Detroit Lions
North Dakota State LB Nick Kubitz	Atlanta Falcons
Northern Iowa OL Jared Penning	Baltimore Ravens
Northern Iowa DB Robbie Peterson Jr.	Chicago Bears
San Diego WR Ja'seem Reed	Cleveland Browns
South Carolina State LB Aaron Smith	Philadelphia Eagles
South Dakota TE JJ Galbreath	Pittsburgh Steelers
South Dakota DB Mike Reid	Carolina Panthers
South Dakota State RB Amar Johnson	Green Bay Packers
South Dakota State DB Dalys Beanum	New Orleans Saints
Southeastern Louisiana OLB Warren Peeples	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Southern Illinois/Wake Forest LB Branson Combs	Jacksonville Jaguars
Stephen F. Austin DB Bruce Harmon	Dallas Cowboys
Stephen F. Austin RB Qualon Jones	Kansas City Chiefs
Tarleton State WR Darius Cooper	Philadelphia Eagles
Tarleton State/Nevada WR Jaden Smith	Green Bay Packers
Towson TE Carter Runyon	Las Vegas Raiders
UAlbany OL Ozzie Hutchinson	Baltimore Ravens
UC Davis RB Lan Larison	New England Patriots
UT Martin DL Christian Dowell	Denver Broncos
Villanova CB Isas Waxter	Seattle Seahawks
Youngstown State OL Jaison Williams	New York Giants

Rookie Minicamp Invites:​

Player	NFL Teams
Brown QB Jake Willcox	New England Patriots
Brown TE Mark Mahoney	Miami Dolphins/Kansas City Chiefs
Bryant WR Landon Ruggieri	New York Giants
Campbell DB Isaiah Greene	Philadelphia Eagles/Chicago Bears
Central Arkansas RB Darius Hale	Kansas City Chiefs
Chattanooga DL Marlon Taylor	Atlanta Falcons
Colgate OL Bardhyl Gashi	Indianapolis Colts
Colgate/Notre Dame RB Max Hurleman	Pittsburgh Steelers
Cornell/Akron DB Paul Lewis III	Minnesota Vikings
Dartmouth/UMass LB Macklin Ayers	Cleveland Browns
Delaware OL Blaise Sparks	Kansas City Chiefs
Delaware WR Phil Lutz	New England Patriots
Duquesne P Kyle Romenick	Buffalo Bills
East Texas A&M DB Kendall Paul	Las Vegas Raiders
Eastern Illinois OL Sebastian Pares	Chicago Bears
Eastern Kentucky RB Joshua Carter	Buffalo Bills
Elon QB Matthew Downing	Chicago Bears
Elon OL Kevin Burkett	New York Jets
ETSU/UCF DB Sheldon Arnold II	Kansas City Chiefs
Fordham EDGE Matt Jaworski	Seattle Seahawks/Buffalo Bills/Los Angeles Chargers
Gardner-Webb/West Virginia LB Ty French	San Franciso 49ers
Grambling State QB Myles Crawley	New York Giants
Harvard/Memphis LB Matt Hudson	Cleveland Browns
Harvard/Louisville DT Thor Griffith	Seattle Seahawks
Holy Cross/James Madison LB Jacob Dobbs	Baltimore Ravens
Holy Cross/James Madison DB Terrence Spence	New York Giants
Howard DB Robert Jones	Kansas City Chiefs/Minnesota Vikings/Indianapolis Colts
Howard DB Xavier Robiou	Washington Commanders
Jackson State RB Irv Mulligan	New York Giants
Jackson State EDGE Phillip Webb	Miami Dolphins
Lafayette DB Saiku White	Denver Broncos
Lamar RB Khalan Griffin	Las Vegas Raiders
Lamar WR Sevonne Rhea	Carolina Panthers
Lindenwood OL Cameron Cooper	Denver Broncos
Lindenwood OL Gareth Warren	Pittsburgh Steelers
Long Island WR Michael Love	Indianapolis Colts/Seattle Seahawks
Maine WR Montigo Moss	Minnesota Vikings
Mercer DB Myles Redding	Baltimore Ravens
Mercer DB TJ Moore	New York Giants
Monmouth DB Irekefe Oweh	Carolina Panthers
Montana OL Brandon Casey	Seattle Seahawks
Montana RB Nick Ostmo	San Francisco 49ers
Montana State DE Brody Grebe	Minnesota Vikings
Montana State OL Marcus Wehr	Seattle Seahawks
Montana State P Brendan Hall	Green Bay Packers
Morgan State DL Elijah Williams	Minnesota Vikings
New Hampshire OL Dylan Poirier	New York Giants
New Hampshire WR Logan Tomlinson	Baltimore Ravens
New Hampshire QB Seth Morgan	Pittsburgh Steelers
North Alabama WR Logan Collier	Buffalo Bills
North Carolina Central WR Joaquin Davis	Denver Broncos
North Carolina Central DL Quantez Mansfield	Minnesota Vikings
North Dakota WR Bo Belquist	San Francisco 49ers
North Dakota DB Devin Hembry	Kansas City Chiefs
Northern Arizona TE Bryzai White	Denver Broncos/Seattle Seahawks
Penn DB Shiloh Means	Indianapolis Colts
Portland State RB Christian Grubb	Chicago Bears
Portland State DB Tyreese Shakir	Seattle Seahawks
Princeton QB Blake Stenstrom	Denver Broncos
Rhode Island DB Braden Price	Miami Dolphins
Rhode Island LS Donato Crisanti	New York Jets
Rhode Island WR Tommy Smith	Pittsburgh Steelers
Robert Morris DB Robert Carter	Baltimore Ravens
Samford LB Noah Martin	Buffalo Bills
SEMO QB Paxton DeLaurent	Kansas City Chiefs
South Carolina State TE Keshawn Toney	Cleveland Browns
South Dakota OL Joey Lombard	Kansas City Chiefs
South Dakota RB Travis Theis	Denver Broncos
South Dakota DL Nick Gaes	New York Giants
South Dakota State LB Adam Bock	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Southeastern Louisiana DB Keydrain Calligan	Indianapolis Colts
Southern Illinois DB Iverson Brown	Cleveland Browns
Southern Utah OL Lyle Santos	Las Vegas Raiders
Stephen F. Austin DB Jeremiah Walker	Chicago Bears
Stephen F. Austin DB Trashawn Adams	Minnesota Vikings
Tarleton State RB Kayvon Britten	Las Vegas Raiders
Tarleton State OL Tuli Teuhema	New England Patriots
Towson LB Nchabanu Fortaboh	Baltimore Ravens
UAlbany/Arkansas EDGE Anton Juncaj	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
UAlbany WR Seven McGee	Atlanta Falcons
UC Davis DL Evan Bearden	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
UC Davis DL Zach Kennedy	Denver Broncos
UT Martin LB Tevin Shipp	Indianapolis Colts/Seattle Seahawks
Villanova LB Brendan Bell	New Orleans Saints
Villanova DL Chuck Smith	Kansas City Chiefs
Villanova QB Connor Watkins	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Villanova WR Jaaron Hayek	Kansas City Chiefs
William & Mary WR Hollis Mathis	Pittsburgh Steelers
William & Mary/Wisconsin LB John Pius	Cleveland Browns
William & Mary WR Matthew Akuchie	Indianapolis Colts
William & Mary DB Marcus Barnes	Cincinnati Bengals
Wofford DL Anthonie Lattany	Indianapolis Colts

2025 FCS Football Undrafted Rookies Tracker

Where are all the undrafted FCS stars headed?

www.si.com

Sam Herder Hero Sports also has a list which I assume is the same

2025 FCS Undrafted Rookies Tracker

Thirteen FCS players were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. And many, many more will get an NFL opportunity after the draft ends.

herosports.com

 

[steponaduck]

The gap between these two levels is certainly widening, but there are still a few teams capable of pulling off an FCS upset in 2025. WIll really have to dive into the rosters of these teams and make sure you know what these teams are going to look like. This is predominantly important at the G5 and FCS levels, and waiting for the phil steele magazine will be too late.

Shore up the rosters now, find reliable two-deep rosters, read everything you can pertaining to fall camp position battles, and be ready to fire away when lines get released. The first three weeks of 2025 will be as telling as I can ever recall for assessing FCS and G5 talent compared to the Power 4 ranks...could be a blood bath for these lower leagues early...

 

[s--k]

I’ve gone through the FCS to FBS transfers to date coupled with all the UDFA and FCS guys competing in pro leagues now. But that’s only 1/2 of it. Now I need to account for FBS to FCS transfers and FCS within FCS transfers. I’m pleased with how I’m doing this and the timetable I’m on. I learned last year that relying on Phil Steele was not good enough due to errors and the late release of his publication. I have my own 3-ring binder going, might not even buy the PS FCS product this year I was so displeased with it last year.

The biggest issue for me is I’m so far removed from FBS football that I think I will know the quality or lack thereof for the FCS programs while I will have essentially no knowledge or desire to learn the FBS programs.

So I’ll be playing admittedly with one hand behind my back in that sense.

 

[s--k]

Here’s my workbook. Highlight 1st, 2nd and Fr All Conference performers also noting AAs when they exist and mark up last years two-deep and stat charts with departures. Then combine with additions.

 

[s--k]

University of New Haven Joining The NEC​

The FCS is getting a new member.

The University of New Haven, located in West Haven, Connecticut, has accepted a full membership invitation to join the Northeast Conference.

New Haven will be integrated into NEC athletic schedules beginning in the 2025-26 academic year with the exception of football. The timing of New Haven football’s addition to the conference schedule is still to be determined. The Chargers will attain full Division I membership in 2028-29 following the NCAA-mandated reclassification period.

The Chargers football team has gone 8-3 in the last three years and 10-2 in 2021, reaching the D2 playoffs four straight years.

If or when MB puts up Dll numbers early this season, message board chatter is that tons of New Haven players are in the portal and coaches have departed. Their QB cites "scheduling uncertainties" for entering the portal:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1921669279579078966

 

[s--k]

Tracking the impact Dll and Dll transfers to FCS is a big challenge. See some occasional "lists" or groupings online, but also see they are missing a lot of players who announced transfers. Players like Mercer adding 1000y WR Adonis McDaniel from Lenoir-Rhyne or Tarleton adding some good Dll guys in WR Mekhi Gibson Kutztown and LB Yasir Homes from Frostberg St and DB Mike Hookfin from SE Okla St. Wish there was a go-to list for lower division guys moving to FCS, proven guys at a lower level where you know what they capable of with numbers and highlights vs some FBS guys who have never played. Almost just have to go team-by-team and look at their signees and note the potential impact guys to watch.

 

[s--k]

The go-to lists for tracking transfers within FCS, from FCS into FBS and from FBS into FCS from two leading sources for FCS coverage, Sam Herder's Hero Sports and Zach McKinnell's FCS Football Central. They are duplicating some of eachother's work. Although they are not competing personalities and instead make appearances on eachother's media platforms.

Sam Herder's transfer trackers:

FCS within FCS

2025 FCS-to-FCS Transfers

The transfer portal is off and running with plenty of players looking to find a new home in 2025. Here are the FCS-to-FCS transfers.

herosports.com

FCS to FBS

2025 FCS-to-FBS Transfers

The transfer portal is off and running with plenty of players looking to find a new home. Here are the 2025 FCS-to-FBS transfers.

herosports.com

FBS to FCS

2025 FBS-to-FCS Transfers

The transfer portal is off and running with plenty of players looking to find a new home in 2025. Here are the 2025 FBS-to-FCS transfers.

herosports.com

Zach McKinnell's transfer trackers:
FCS within FCS

2025 FCS-To-FCS Football Transfer Tracker

An updated tracker of all the FCS-to-FCS transfers this offseason

www.si.com

FCS to FBS

2025 FCS-To-FBS Football Transfer Tracker

Which former FCS stars are headed to the FBS level?

www.si.com

FBS to FCS

2025 FBS-To-FCS Football Transfer Tracker

An updated tracker of all the FBS-to-FCS transfers this offseason

www.si.com

These were updated once a week or so, but it looks like Zach may've fallen behind a bit. I've been using Herder's list

 

[s--k]

Ranking the top 20 portal classes (Timothy Rosario is McKinnell's partner at FCS Football Central and he brings a lot of substance to the topics). We are still missing a good way to document and track Dll transfers to FCS schools though

FCS Football: Top 20 Post-Spring Transfer Portal Classes

Which FCS teams dominated the transfer portal this offseason?

www.si.com

 

[survive&advance]

Any thoughts on Delaware and their first season in fbs? I’m tempted by u5.5 -160 rsw

 

[s--k]

Any thoughts on Delaware and their first season in fbs? I’m tempted by u5.5 -160 rsw

First things I wanted to check was their OL because they had FIVE Grad OL who returned last year! It was discussed that Brose was taking a RS after just 1 start last year, he was available to backup, but they were keeping him for this year was the talk. So he is back and has 40 career games played with 27 starts. And it appears they somehow only lost 3 of the 5 Grad Sr OL. Shupp is also on the 2025 online roster and he has over 40 games played and mid-30s starts. Assuming that is right they'd have those two along with O'Neal who got honorable mention All-CAA in his first year starting for 3 starters back on OL. Then they lose 2nd Tm AA Gringrich (39 starts), 2nd Tm CAA Anyanwu (31 starts in 50 games played) and Sparks who in 35 career starts was good enough to get a Chiefs camp invite. So while they do lose 3 big time OL, it appears they were able to manage the roster to also retain 3 key experienced starters for their first FBS year. To the naked eye just knowing they had 5 Grad Sr last year, the assumption would've been they were be wiped out. Then they look like they bring back all the top second team depth guys, so by the numbers they are better than expected on the OL.

Looks like they did a similar trick with other Sr and Grad WRs and TEs who are still on the 2025 spring roster, but they aren't impact players and the group was down last year from 2023. Their #1 WR was at rookie camp of the Patriots and they lose a disappointing Bermudez to Temple. I would have to assume they signed some transfers here because it is not a great looking group.

They have started three QBs for 3+ games the last two years. O'Connor was #1 the last two years...when healthy. He didn't make it past September last year. He's gone. Marker and Minicucci are back. Marker the better passer, Minicucci the runner. I wouldn't think either of those guys are good enough vs FBS teams.

And we know Yarns is in the NFL now, he was a really good RB. RB being somewhat easy to replace, he was a key player for them.

So on offense I would say the unexpected experience on OL might help them, but overall I don't think this offense would compete well vs CUSA teams.

They were basically just a good bully vs lesser FCS and CAA teams, vs better teams their games were close or they lost.

I'm not going to look into the defense much. They ran a 3-3-5 before, not sure if that is still their plan. The DL might be good enough to hold up, they lost their best, an honorable mention DE to UNC, but the rest of the starters and 2-deep are back and they are all vets. They return two good white LBs, but their best LB Davis transfered out to Temple. Their pass D wasn't anything special.

I don't know how good any of those CUSA teams are, but I would assume Under 5.5 would be good. Offense I would assume is going to be a problem. VS their 3 FCS playoff teams in 2024 they only averaged 20.3 ppg (just 9 at Richmond and 24 on URI and 28 on Nova). You could say that they were without their best QB in O'Connor in those games, but they are without him this year too. The two guys who filled in for O'Connor and played in those games are likely going to be the guys this year. Marker was just 21-of-43 vs Richmond and Richmond D is good, but figure he will struggle vs FBS teams.

 

[survive&advance]

First things I wanted to check was their OL because they had FIVE Grad OL who returned last year! It was discussed that Brose was taking a RS after just 1 start last year, he was available to backup, but they were keeping him for this year was the talk. So he is back and has 40 career games played with 27 starts. And it appears they somehow only lost 3 of the 5 Grad Sr OL. Shupp is also on the 2025 online roster and he has over 40 games played and mid-30s starts. Assuming that is right they'd have those two along with O'Neal who got honorable mention All-CAA in his first year starting for 3 starters back on OL. Then they lose 2nd Tm AA Gringrich (39 starts), 2nd Tm CAA Anyanwu (31 starts in 50 games played) and Sparks who in 35 career starts was good enough to get a Chiefs camp invite. So while they do lose 3 big time OL, it appears they were able to manage the roster to also retain 3 key experienced starters for their first FBS year. To the naked eye just knowing they had 5 Grad Sr last year, the assumption would've been they were be wiped out. Then they look like they bring back all the top second team depth guys, so by the numbers they are better than expected on the OL.

Looks like they did a similar trick with other Sr and Grad WRs and TEs who are still on the 2025 spring roster, but they aren't impact players and the group was down last year from 2023. Their #1 WR was at rookie camp of the Patriots and they lose a disappointing Bermudez to Temple. I would have to assume they signed some transfers here because it is not a great looking group.

They have started three QBs for 3+ games the last two years. O'Connor was #1 the last two years...when healthy. He didn't make it past September last year. He's gone. Marker and Minicucci are back. Marker the better passer, Minicucci the runner. I wouldn't think either of those guys are good enough vs FBS teams.

And we know Yarns is in the NFL now, he was a really good RB. RB being somewhat easy to replace, he was a key player for them.

So on offense I would say the unexpected experience on OL might help them, but overall I don't think this offense would compete well vs CUSA teams.

They were basically just a good bully vs lesser FCS and CAA teams, vs better teams their games were close or they lost.

I'm not going to look into the defense much. They ran a 3-3-5 before, not sure if that is still their plan. The DL might be good enough to hold up, they lost their best, an honorable mention DE to UNC, but the rest of the starters and 2-deep are back and they are all vets. They return two good white LBs, but their best LB Davis transfered out to Temple. Their pass D wasn't anything special.

I don't know how good any of those CUSA teams are, but I would assume Under 5.5 would be good. Offense I would assume is going to be a problem. VS their 3 FCS playoff teams in 2024 they only averaged 20.3 ppg (just 9 at Richmond and 24 on URI and 28 on Nova). You could say that they were without their best QB in O'Connor in those games, but they are without him this year too. The two guys who filled in for O'Connor and played in those games are likely going to be the guys this year. Marker was just 21-of-43 vs Richmond and Richmond D is good, but figure he will struggle vs FBS teams.

Thanks for the great writeup. Pretty much aligns with my thinking!

 

[B.A.R.]

Thanks for the great writeup. Pretty much aligns with my thinking!

You can't beat the content from s--k

I had forgotten about their move to fbs.

Good stuff guys!

 

[s--k]

I did not keep any notes on Missouri State so can't offer any insight on them.