As a longtime college football analyst who has covered everything from national championship games to small-school rivalries, I’ve always found myself drawn to the underdog stories—the kind that make you lean forward in your seat and forget about the rankings. That’s exactly why I believe FCS football offers something uniquely compelling compared to its FBS counterpart. Sure, the FBS has the glitz, the massive stadiums, and the media spotlight, but if you want unpredictability, passion, and pure football drama, the FCS delivers in ways that often surpass the top division. Let’s be honest: how many times have we tuned into a marquee FBS matchup only to see the usual suspects dominate? In the FCS, every Saturday feels like it could produce a seismic shift.
Take, for instance, the recent Miami Open upset I watched, where the young tennis prodigy Eala stunned world No. 1 Swiatek on a hard court. That match wasn’t just a fluke—it was a testament to how hunger and raw talent can topple established giants. It reminded me so much of what happens routinely in FCS football. Here, programs like North Dakota State or James Madison (before their move) didn’t just compete; they built dynasties that could go toe-to-toe with FBS teams in shocking fashion. Remember when NDSU beat Iowa in 2016? Or when they took down Kansas State in 2013? These aren’t isolated incidents. In fact, FCS teams have notched over 15 wins against FBS opponents in the last five years alone, proving that the gap isn’t as wide as many assume.
What really sets the FCS apart, in my view, is the playoff system. While the FBS clings to its controversial four-team College Football Playoff—soon to expand, thankfully—the FCS has had a 24-team playoff for years. That means more teams have a legitimate shot at a national title, and every regular-season game carries weight. I’ve spoken to players from schools like Sam Houston State and Montana, and they’ll tell you: the intensity in November, when playoff berths are on the line, is electric. Compare that to the FBS, where a single loss can derail a team’s championship hopes by Week 2. In the FCS, redemption is always possible, and Cinderella stories aren’t just possible—they’re expected.
Another aspect I adore is the accessibility and community feel. Having attended games at both FBS powerhouses like Alabama and FCS gems like Eastern Washington’s “Inferno,” I can say the fan experience is night and day. At an FCS game, you’re closer to the action, the tickets are affordable (often under $30 on average), and the atmosphere is intimate. I’ve had conversations with coaches and players post-game in ways that would be impossible in the FBS bubble. This connection fosters a loyalty that transcends wins and losses. For example, schools like Villanova or Delaware regularly draw crowds that, percentage-wise, rival FBS attendance when you factor in local population. It’s football in its purest form—less about TV deals and more about the game itself.
Now, let’s talk parity. In the FBS, the same handful of programs—Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State—dominate the headlines year after year. According to one analysis I recall, the top 5 FBS teams have accounted for nearly 70% of playoff appearances since 2014. In the FCS, however, we’ve seen eight different champions in the last decade. That level of turnover keeps things fresh and unpredictable, much like Eala’s rise in tennis. She wasn’t on many radars before that Miami Open, but her semifinal run showed that in sports, talent can emerge from anywhere. Similarly, FCS teams like South Dakota State or Sacramento State can burst onto the scene and make deep playoff runs without decades of recruiting pedigree.
Of course, I’m not dismissing the FBS entirely—the talent there is undeniable, with NFL prospects galore. But as a fan who craves suspense and storytelling, the FCS offers a richer narrative tapestry. Think about it: in 2022, the FCS championship game between North Dakota State and Montana State drew over 1.5 million viewers, a number that’s grown steadily despite limited broadcast coverage. That’s because people are catching on to the excitement. Personally, I’ve found myself scheduling my autumn weekends around FCS matchups more than ever, simply because I never know when I’ll witness the next big upset.
In conclusion, while the FBS will always have its place in the sports landscape, the FCS provides a thrilling alternative that emphasizes competition, community, and unpredictability. Just as Eala’s victory over Swiatek reminded us that rankings don’t always dictate outcomes, FCS football consistently proves that heart and opportunity can create moments that resonate long after the final whistle. If you haven’t given it a chance yet, tune into a game this season—you might just find yourself hooked on the underdog magic.
