They filled up pretty well on the appetizers when the 2025 FCS football season kicked off last weekend. But in “The FCS Edge,” episode 3, co-hosts Craig Haley and Zach McKinnell go all in with the full course of Week 1 action.

The schedule of games is delicious, including potential FCS vs. FBS upsets. Plus, Stan Becton from NCAA.com visits as a special guest to continue our preview and predictions for the entire season ahead.

• Week 0 provided insights into under-the-radar players and teams.
• Potential dark horse teams include Southern Illinois and Illinois State.
• FCS-vs.-FBS matchups are crucial for gaining national attention.
• North Carolina Central's offensive line showed great potential in its last game.
• Tarleton State's shutout win sets it up for a strong matchup against Army.
• The Walter Payton Award candidates include quarterbacks Aidan Bouman (South Dakota) and Derek Robertson (Monmouth).
• Lehigh aims to make a statement against Richmond in the season's first Patriot League game.
• Sacramento State's new go-go offense will be tested against South Dakota State's defense.
• The SWAC has a chance to end a long FBS losing streak this season.

Week 1 is here — FCS upsets, dark horses and bold predictions are on deck. This is the episode you can’t miss.

With new episodes every week throughout the season, subscribe now and get “The FCS Edge” delivered straight to your podcast feed, or watch the show on YouTube.

For all the latest FCS Football news, head over to The Analyst. And follow us across social media on X, Facebook, Bluesky and Instagram.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction 00:55 Under-the-Radar Players in Week 0 02:10 Week 0 Review 10:38 NDSU Season Gets Underway 11:14 FCS-vs-FBS Picks 17:56 Stan Becton Joins The Show 19:14 Playoff Dark Horses 20:16 Key HBCU Storylines 26:37 Walter Payton Picks 27:44 Buck Buchanan Picks 30:22 Week 1 Pick 'Ems.