Get ready for a game-changer in college football! Starting in 2026, the FCS subdivision is shaking things up by kicking off its season a full week before most FBS teams. But here's where it gets controversial: while FCS teams are embracing this early start, FBS teams are still stuck in the old system, requiring waivers to play on Week 0. Could this be the beginning of a larger shift in college football scheduling? Let’s dive in.
Last offseason, the FCS Oversight Committee and Division I Council made a bold move. They approved a recommendation allowing the FCS subdivision to officially start every season on Week 0, locking in a standardized 12-game regular season. This marks a significant departure from the past, when FCS teams needed special permission to play during this early window. Now, they’re free to hit the field without any bureaucratic hurdles—a change that’s sure to spark excitement among players and fans alike.
Meanwhile, FBS teams are still bound by the waiver requirement, though it’s widely speculated that the top Division I football subdivision will eventually follow suit. If this happens, Week 0 could become the new Week 1, reshaping the entire college football calendar. And this is the part most people miss: the FCS isn’t just starting early—it’s starting really early. Beginning in 2026, FCS teams can kick off their season on the Thursday of Week 0. So, while most FBS teams will start on Saturday, September 5, some FCS teams will already be in action nine days earlier, on Thursday, August 27. This early start could open up more opportunities for national TV exposure, giving FCS programs a bigger stage to showcase their talent.
Currently, the FBS has five games scheduled for Week 0 (Saturday, August 29), but the FCS is going all in. They’ve already lined up 11 games for Thursday, August 27, three for Friday, August 28, and over 40 for Saturday, August 29. While the matchups might not be blockbuster showdowns, fans will get a head start on FCS action compared to previous seasons. For a full look at the FCS Week 0 schedule, check out this link.
But here’s the question: Is this early start a game-changer for FCS programs, or will it widen the gap between FCS and FBS teams? Some argue it’s a step toward greater visibility and competitiveness for smaller schools, while others worry it could dilute the excitement of the traditional Week 1 kickoff. What do you think? Will this shift benefit the FCS, or is it a risky move? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this bold new era of college football!
