Who Will Be The Next Team to Make the FCS-to-FBS Jump? The college football landscape is constantly evolving, and one of the most fascinating shifts comes with teams making the jump from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Recent seasons have witnessed a notable increase in these transitions, with several programs successfully navigating the challenge. Over the past three years, a remarkable four teams – James Madison, Sam Houston State, Jacksonville State, and Kennesaw State – have made this pivotal move, signaling a growing opportunity for ambitious FCS programs. Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Delaware and Missouri State are poised to join this exciting trend, demonstrating a continued appetite for advancement within the sport. These decisions aren't taken lightly; programs typically undertake these transitions after sustained periods of success or when other potential pathways to achieving their goals have been thoroughly explored. Teams like Sam Houston State and Jacksonville State serve as prime examples, showcasing the potential rewards of this ambitious undertaking. In 2024, the Bearkats delivered a strong performance, going 10-3 in just their second season, although they ultimately fell short of victory in the CUSA conference, which was claimed by Jacksonville State. James Madison has similarly demonstrated success since joining the Sun Belt Conference prior to the 2022 season, consistently establishing itself as one of the league's top teams. The question now is: who will be the next team to make this significant leap to FBS?

Several programs present compelling cases for consideration. North Dakota State, with a record-winning 10 of the last 14 National Championships, exemplifies sustained dominance within FCS football. However, the Bison have shown limited interest in a jump, expressing uncertainty about maintaining their level of success at the higher FBS level. Jacksonville State, the only team to rival North Dakota State’s dominance, has won two of the past three National Championships, presenting a strong contender for this transition. However, the potential departure of one Dakota school and the subsequent departure of the other would diminish the incredible rivalry, a loss that college football would undoubtedly regret. Montana State also emerges as a strong possibility. Having reached two of the past four National Championship games, the Bobcats have been a valiant opponent over the last few seasons, culminating in a 17-point comeback victory over the New Mexico Lobos on the road in week 0. Despite a struggling 3-9 season, Sam Houston State, known as the Hornets, has consistently been a great contender for this jump, driven by ambitious plans to build a new stadium, bolster their NIL programs, and target a place in either the Pac-12 or Mountain West Conference. The recent acquisition of former five-star QB Jaden Rashada further strengthens their position. Finally, UC Davis rounds out the list. While sharing the Sacramento market with Sam Houston State, UC Davis has demonstrated greater success, prioritizing on-field results above all else, culminating in a fifth-place finish in the nation last season and a decisive victory over their rival, Sam Houston State. Neither Sac State nor UC Davis has established a dominant reign over FCS football, but both have shown considerable success and garnered significant fan and financial support. Considering the available openings within the Pac-12 and Mountain West, Sac State and UC Davis undoubtedly represent a logical and promising group for the next wave of teams to make the jump to FBS football.