By THOMAS STOKES
Editor’s Note: The FCS Briefing is a new feature here at I-81 Sports. Thomas has a passion and a knowledge for FCS football, and we’re excited to share his viewpoint. He’ll be weighing in on ETSU, the Southern Conference, and FCS football on a national level. Enjoy.
Southern Conference disrespect
Wofford comes into 2026 with a lot of momentum. The Terriers ended 2025 winning six of their last seven games which included four straight victories to close the season. So, it puzzles me that Wofford was selected in the bottom half of the preseason SoCon coaches’ poll. Especially because, on top of the season-ending winning streak, the Terriers were in most of their conference games last year, losing two games by a combined three points. The team’s offense will once again be led by experienced quarterback J.T Fayard. I am looking for Wofford to surprise a lot of people this coming year and be in the hunt for an at-large bid for the playoffs, maybe even the SoCon title.
SoCon Players to Watch
In today’s college athletics landscape if you are a big player at a small school, you are usually pulled away for bigger opportunities so it’s a true rarity for really good and experienced players to stay at the FCS level. DE Joshua Stoneking (Furman) fits that bill as he is in the conversation for not only the best player in the SoCon but one of the best defensive players in all of the FCS. He seems to be on every first-team All-American list, along with finishing second in last season’s balloting for the Buck Buchanan award for the FCS defensive player of the year. Western Carolina DB Ken Moore Jr. is another name to watch in the SoCon in 2026. Along with Stoneking, Moore was selected to the Buck Buchanan preseason watch list. Fun fact: The Catamounts’ new defensive coordinator is former Vols linebacker Nick Reveiz.
Week 0 Viewing Guide (all times Eastern)
#22 Monmouth at #14 Tennessee Tech (7 PM, ESPN+)
One of two meetings between ranked teams on the Week 0 docket. This is a very important game not only for the two teams but the conferences. Ironically a game that is important for the SoCon on a national level comes from a new member of the league. Monmouth, which was picked second in the CAA and went 9-3 last season, returns a lot of offensive production. With the likes of Villanova, William & Mary, and Richmond now all in the Patriot League, the path is easier for the Hawks to challenge for the conference championship.
#15 Abilene Christian vs #20 Lamar (7 PM, ESPN+)
A rematch of a first-round FCS playoff game from 2025, where ACU squashed Lamar 38-20. Lamar will attempt to even the score and the key player to do that is LaDamion McDowell, a Freshman All-American last season as a kick returner who looks he will expand the role rushing the football. On the other side ACU will want to start off in the right direction looking to repeat as the United Athletic Conference champion. RB Rovaughn Banks Jr. is back after leading the Wildcats in rushing attempts and yards last season. If you like teams that run, this could be the game for you.
You’re Eligible … Until You’re Not
Villanova, a preseason Top 10 team got hit with a harsh ruling from the Patriot League recently as returning QB Pat McQuaide was ruled ineligible. McQuaide and his legal team appealed to the Presidents Council of the Patriot League but their appeal was denied. So the Wildcats have to go back to the drawing board at quarterback. It will have to be a quick battle as Villanova is set to play William & Mary on Friday night.
Injury Bug Hits Early
Preseason All-American DE Lance Rucker of North Dakota has suffered a foot injury and will miss significant time. Rucker, a senior, had a breakout 2025 season with 11.5 sacks.
Meanwhile, at defending national champion Montana State, DB Alec Wills is lost for the entire season with a torn pec. Wills was new to the Bobcats, transferring in from Penn.