Former FCS powerhouse James Madison lost last weekend to former FCS powerhouse Georgia Southern, as the Dukes suffered their first loss as an FBS program. The defeat, and JMU’s 5-1 start to its FBS tenure, made me wonder: Which current FCS teams could compete right away at the Group of Five level?
College football betting odds show that JMU certainly isn’t out of place at the FBS level – the Dukes have been favored in five of their first six games – and there are other FCS programs capable of matching JMU’s performance level.
In my list of five FCS teams I’d like to see play in the Group of Five, I’m not considering the likelihood the team actually moves to the FBS in coming years. That’s a different (also enjoyable) conversation that takes into account conference realignment factors like athletic budget, geography, media markets, etc.
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5. Montana State
Currently 6-1 with a loss to Oregon State, Montana State is one of the best teams in the FCS. The Bobcats also have a strong history, making the FCS playoffs seven times since 2010 and winning the national title in 1984. The program fell in the national championship game last season.
Oh, and I’m a sucker for the late-season weather in Montana, which feels like perfect football weather. Montana State would be a fun addition to the Mountain West Conference.
4. Montana
My logic for Montana mirrors that of Montana State, and I like the hypothetical possibility of both teams moving up and continuing their rivalry in a Group of Five conference. Montana also has a strong history, winning FCS national titles in 1995 and 2001.
The Grizzlies made the FCS quarterfinals in 2019 and 2021, and they’re off to a 5-1 start this fall. The program upset Washington early last season.
3. South Dakota State
The Jackrabbits are about as steady as a program can be, having posted a winning record in every season since 2012. The team is 6-1 this fall with a win at North Dakota State and a 7-3 road loss to Iowa. As a result, SDSU is the No. 1-ranked team in the FCS.
South Dakota State defeated Colorado State last season and advanced to the FCS semifinals before falling to Montana State. Like Montana and Montana State, South Dakota State has a history of winning. The Jackrabbits would be a joy to watch in a Group of Five conference.
2. Jackson State
I am extremely curious to see how Deion Sanders would fare as an FBS head coach. After recent interviews with national networks, it looks like I may find out soon enough. Sanders seems willing to pursue an FBS job, should the right opportunity open outside of Jackson State. He’s shown himself to be an elite recruiter, which would likely translate well at the FBS level.
I’d also be fascinated to see an HBCU compete at the FBS level. Jackson State doesn’t have nearly the athletic budget or resources of FBS teams, but HBCU fanbases are incredible. The program has averaged 34,207 fans at home games this season, a higher average home attendance than Memphis, Houston, SMU, Maryland, and Wake Forest.
1. North Dakota State
The Bison are 41-3 in FCS postseason games since becoming eligible in 2008, and they’re a perfect 9-0 in FCS national championships. NDSU has won nine of the last 11 national titles, which is an absurdly impressive statistic.
When it comes to the FCS, North Dakota State is king. Oh, and the Bison are 9-4 against FBS opponents, having rattled off six wins in a row at one point, including a triumph over No. 11 Iowa in 2016. The Bison would immediately succeed if they moved to the FBS level. The big question for the program is will an FBS conference invite ever come, as its location makes that potential move-up much more challenging than recent reclassifying FCS schools.
Honorable mentions: Delaware, Weber State
Delaware may actually make the leap soon, and Weber State has been a stellar FCS program in recent years and the views from its stadium are picturesque. Head coach Jay Hill may soon earn an FBS job.
Bennett Conlin is a college football contributor for HERO Sports, and he works full-time covering sports betting industry news and legislation for Sports Handle and US Bets.
