None was picked in the top half of its league’s preseason poll. But here these five are, off to excellent starts and perhaps more than just early surprise FCS teams in 2025.
They were always there. You just had to look a bit farther down their conference’s preseason poll to find them.
But, surprise, surprise, there are FCS teams off to fast starts that few saw coming.
They’re even changing the complexion of upcoming conference races with either title contention or the chance to be a spoiler.
Here are five surprise FCS teams that are better than advertised:
West Georgia Wolves (3-0)
Preseason Ranking: Tied for No. 7 in United Athletic Conference poll
The Skinny: In just their second FCS season, the Wolves have handled a solid nonconference schedule to earn their first FCS ranking (No. 25 last Monday). Despite turnover issues, they’ve controlled game clock (an average of 35 minutes, 53 seconds per game), with Latrelle Murrell surpassing 100 rushing yards in all three games.
Key Stats: The Jay Carter-fueled defense has limited opponents to 65.0 rushing yards per game and 2.1 yards per carry – numbers topped in the FCS by only Tennessee Tech.
Austin Peay Governors (2-1)
Preseason Ranking: No. 6 in United Athletic Conference poll
The Skinny: The contributions have been spread out on coach Jeff Faris’ No. 22-ranked squad, including from transfer quarterback Chris Parson. The Govs eased up on Morehead State in a blowout and posted their first FBS win since 1994 (34-14 over Middle Tennessee). Plus, their loss to Georgia was only by 22 points.
Key Stats: Middle Tennessee and Morehead State were a combined 3 of 25 on third-down conversion attempts and 1 of 4 on fourth downs.
Presbyterian Blue Hose (3-0)
Preseason Ranking: No. 6 in Pioneer Football League poll
The Skinny: The fast start, including road wins over the last two Southern Conference champs (Mercer and Furman), was set up by a four-game winning streak to end last season. It also helps that coach Steve Englehart’s squad returned a league-best six players on PFL preseason team.
Key Stat: Collin Hurst is one of just three FCS quarterbacks to have three games of 275+ passing yards this season.
Bryant Bulldogs (2-1)
Preseason Ranking: No. 13 in CAA Football poll
The Skinny: Bryant did not beat an FCS scholarship program last season. The Bulldogs’ strong start under coach Chris Merritt is highlighted by their first-ever FBS win at UMass. Zyheem Collick has three touchdown receptions and scored another TD off a blocked punt.
Key Stats: Even with playing two FBS opponents (also New Mexico State), the Bulldogs rank 15th among 129 FCS programs in allowing 285.7 yards and 17.0 points per game.
UTRGV Vaqueros (3-0)
Preseason Ranking: No. 10 in Southland Conference poll
The Skinny: Two of UTRGV’s wins to open its inaugural season were against overmatched sub-FCS programs, but coach Travis Bush’s squad has a road FCS win over Texas Southern. He and his coaching staff mixed in key transfers, including quarterback Eddie Lee Marburger (UTSA), alongside the team’s large freshman base.
Key Stats: The Vaqueros rank No. 1 in the FCS in offensive yards per game (610.0) and No. 2 in points per game (57.7).
Top photo, from left, from Austin Peay, Bryant and Presbyterian Athletics.
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