FCS teams open season with upsets and losses to lower-level opponents

The 2026 FCS football season began with a series of upsets as West Florida defeated #16 Southern Illinois 34-31 in their Division I debut. Argonauts quarterback Ty’Ray Davis accounted for 197 total yards and two touchdowns, while Southern Illinois backup Jake Curry threw three interceptions after starter D.J. Williams exited due to injury. Delaware State also secured a non-conference victory, topping Stony Brook behind Jaylen Trerzado’s 149 receiving yards and a late touchdown run by Sean Weston Jr. Meanwhile, the Pioneer League struggled significantly, as Morehead State, Davidson, and Drake all suffered losses to non-Division I programs. Drake’s defeat was particularly notable, as the three-time defending league champion fell 38-35 to South Dakota Mines despite 535 passing yards from Riley Warzynksi. Other programs like Houston Christian earned an upset over #19 Southeastern Louisiana as teams prepare for their next slate of conference and non-conference matchups.

• 5:25 PMYahoo Sports — FCS Week 0 Recap: Chaos Reigns