Here is a schedule of the notable 2026 FCS vs FBS games, the early-season matchups where Championship Subdivision programs travel to play in the Bowl Subdivision. These guarantee games are where FCS contenders test themselves and, every year, spring a few upsets. All dates are for the 2026 season opening weeks.
2026 FCS vs FBS: Quick Facts
- When: almost all fall in the first four weeks of September.
- Why: guarantee games pay FCS programs and give FBS teams a tune-up.
- Watch: top FCS sides like South Dakota State, Montana State, Montana, and North Dakota travel up.
- Upsets: see our FCS over FBS upset watch for the games most likely to flip.
2026 FCS vs FBS Games (Notable Matchups)
| Date | FCS Team | at FBS Team |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Sep 3 | Eastern Illinois | Minnesota |
| Thu, Sep 3 | West Georgia | Kennesaw State |
| Sat, Sep 5 | South Dakota State | Northwestern |
| Sat, Sep 5 | Idaho State | Utah State |
| Sat, Sep 5 | Tarleton State | Bowling Green |
| Sat, Sep 5 | Rhode Island | Temple |
| Sat, Sep 5 | The Citadel | Charlotte |
| Sat, Sep 5 | Utah Tech | BYU |
| Sat, Sep 5 | North Alabama | Arkansas |
| Sat, Sep 5 | Fordham | North Dakota State |
| Fri, Sep 11 | Villanova | Louisville |
| Sat, Sep 12 | Montana State | Nevada |
| Sat, Sep 12 | Illinois State | Northern Illinois |
| Sat, Sep 12 | Alabama State | Troy |
| Sat, Sep 12 | Stony Brook | Ball State |
| Sat, Sep 12 | Wofford | Kent State |
| Sat, Sep 12 | UT Martin | West Virginia |
| Sat, Sep 12 | Weber State | Colorado |
| Sat, Sep 12 | Northern Colorado | Wyoming |
| Sat, Sep 12 | Southern Utah | Colorado State |
| Sat, Sep 19 | Montana | Oregon State |
| Sat, Sep 19 | North Dakota | Nebraska |
| Sat, Sep 19 | Northern Iowa | Iowa |
| Sat, Sep 19 | Eastern Washington | Washington |
| Sat, Sep 19 | Portland State | Oregon |
| Sat, Sep 19 | Southeastern Louisiana | ULM |
| Sat, Sep 19 | UT Martin | Memphis |
| Sat, Sep 19 | Nicholls | Sam Houston |
| Sat, Sep 26 | LIU | FIU |
This list highlights the marquee 2026 FCS vs FBS games rather than every single one. For the complete team-by-team picture, use our 2026 FCS football schedule hub, and check individual program schedules as kickoff times and TV are confirmed.
Why FCS vs FBS Games Matter
These games, often called guarantee or money games, pay a visiting FCS program a set fee to play at an FBS stadium. They fund FCS athletic budgets and give the smaller-roster visitors a measuring stick against bigger competition. They also produce some of the best early-season chaos in the sport, because a hungry FCS playoff contender catching an FBS team early can absolutely win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are FCS vs FBS guarantee games?
Guarantee or money games are contests where an FCS program is paid to play at an FBS school. They fund FCS budgets and serve as early-season tests, and they occasionally end in upsets.
When are the 2026 FCS vs FBS games?
Nearly all of the notable 2026 FCS vs FBS matchups are played in the first four weekends of September.
Which FCS teams play FBS opponents in 2026?
Top FCS programs including South Dakota State, Montana State, Montana, North Dakota, and UT Martin all travel to play FBS opponents in 2026, among many others.
More 2026 FCS Coverage
