Upsets may be unlikely, but these games still matter.
North Carolina’s FCS football contingent will play seven games this season against FBS opponents. The 2026 slate doesn’t feature obvious giant-killer potential. A year ago, in-state FCS teams went 0-8 against FBS opponents, most by lopsided margins.
But these FCS vs. FBS showdowns still serve as measuring sticks, paydays and – occasionally – stages for something unexpected.
The last time an FCS program from North Carolina beat an FBS foe came in 2018, when North Carolina A&T stunned East Carolina 28-23 in Greenville. That drought has now stretched eight seasons. Nationally, FCS-over-FBS upsets happen every year. In this state, they’ve been much harder to come by.
So what should we make of this year’s slate?
Here’s a look at all seven matchups, and the one game worth keeping an eye on.
1. North Carolina A&T at Georgia State (Sept. 5)
The one to watch
If there’s even a hint of intrigue on this list, it’s this one.
Georgia State went 1-11 last season, with its only win coming against FCS Murray State. The Panthers also struggled against Chattanooga in 2024, narrowly escaping 24-21. Third-year coach Dell McGee enters the season under pressure to show progress.
North Carolina A&T, meanwhile, is still searching for traction under coach Shawn Gibbs after a 2-10 campaign. But the Aggies do have recent history on their side — they remain the last FCS program in the state to beat an FBS opponent.
This isn’t a likely upset. But compared to the rest of the slate, it’s the most reasonable place to start the conversation.
2. North Carolina Central at East Carolina (Sept. 26)
The only in-state FCS vs. FBS on the board carries some natural intrigue.
NCCU went 8-4 last season and has been one of the MEAC’s most consistent programs under Trei Oliver. East Carolina, coming off a 9-4 season and bowl win over Pittsburgh from the ACC, presents a much steeper challenge, especially at home.
The Eagles were overwhelmed in last year’s trip to Old Dominion (54-6), a reminder of the gap that still exists. But familiarity and proximity at least give this one a little extra edge.
3. Western Carolina at Cincinnati (Sept. 12)
If Western Carolina’s offense gets rolling, it can make things uncomfortable — at least for a while.
The Catamounts have been one of the more explosive units in the region in recent years and pushed NC State into the fourth quarter just two seasons ago. A new quarterback brings some uncertainty, but the system remains dangerous.
Cincinnati, coming off a 7-6 season, has the depth and physicality advantage. Still, this is the type of game where a fast start could at least raise an eyebrow.
4. Gardner-Webb at Liberty (Sept. 12)
Gardner-Webb has quietly built a reputation for being competitive in these spots.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs went 7-5 last season and have consistently shown the ability to hang around early against FBS opponents (leading Ohio 14-3 early last season). Liberty, however, presents a different level of challenge in terms of speed and depth, and the Bulldogs will be under new management this season in coach Kris McCullough.
If Gardner-Webb can control the tempo and avoid big plays, it could stay respectable into the second half.
5. Gardner-Webb at Marshall (Sept. 26)
A second shot at an FBS opponent gives Gardner-Webb another measuring stick.
Marshall finished 5-7 last season and isn’t out of reach compared to some of the bigger names on this list. But like most of these matchups, the issue tends to show up over four quarters.
Gardner-Webb has shown it can compete early. Sustaining that level is the next step.
6. Elon at Stanford (Oct. 17)
This one comes with a little extra intrigue – and a lot of travel.
Elon has been a steady program under Tony Trisciani, posting at least six wins in each of the past four seasons. The Phoenix also gave Duke a battle last year, tied 10-10 at halftime and trailing by 7 early in the fourth before the Blue Devils pulled away late .
But flying across the country to face a Power Four opponent is a different challenge altogether. The last North Carolina FCS to play in California? NCCU, which lost at UCLA 59-7 in 2023.
7. Campbell at Florida (Sept. 12)
Campbell has been fearless in scheduling. This might be the toughest test yet.
The Camels have lined up against North Carolina, NC State and East Carolina in recent seasons, with coach Braxton Harris joking that those games help fund the program. This trip to Florida continues that trend.
The gap here is significant. For Campbell, the focus will be on competing, staying healthy and gaining experience. Not to mention the exposure of playing against the vaunted SEC.
What Success Actually Looks Like
For most of these teams, success won’t be measured on the scoreboard.
It looks like:
- Staying within striking distance into the second half
- Winning a quarter or two
- Creating explosive plays
- Avoiding the kind of depth-driven collapse that turns a close game into a blowout
There’s also a physical and mental cost to these matchups.
After North Carolina A&T’s 68-7 loss at UCF last season, coach Shawn Gibbs questioned whether the trade-off was worth it.
“I don’t think it’s worth it… we had 60-plus points put on us and lost three quarterbacks.”
The financial benefits are real – often hundreds of thousands of dollars – but so are the risks. The injuries impacted A&T in key conference games that followed the trip to Orlando.
Final Take
The upset may not come this year.
But these games still matter, financially, physically and as a measuring stick for where each program stands.
And if history tells us anything, all it takes is one Saturday.
North Carolina A&T proved that in 2018.
North Carolina FCS vs. FBS all-time records
The 2025 season saw four FCS wins over FBS opponents nationally – Tarleton State (30-27 over Army), Austin Peay (34-14 over Middle Tennessee), LIU (28-23 over Eastern Michigan) and Bryant (27-26 over UMass).
Per HERO Sports, there will be 127 FCS vs. FBS matchups in 2026, one more than last season.
Here’s how North Carolina’s FCS programs have fared all-time against FBS opponents (since 1978, when Division I split). Source: FearTheFCS.com.
- Campbell Camels: 0-13
- Davidson Wildcats: 0-6
- Elon: 0-17
- Gardner-Webb: 1-27
- North Carolina A&T: 3-10
- North Carolina Central: 0-15
- Western Carolina: 0-64 (!)
- *Appalachian State: 7-35-1 (App moved up to FBS in 2014)
Gardner-Webb’s lone win over an FBS team came in 2010, a 38-37 OT triumph over Akron.
NC A&T’s wins over FBS include beating ECU 28-23 in 2018, Charlotte 35-31 in 2017 and Kent State 39-36 in 4 OTs in 2016.
🔗 Read more: NC FCS vs FBS history and past matchups
Looking for North Carolina college football schedules?
🏫 Team Schedules Hub – Browse full-season schedules by school
🗓️ Weekly Master Schedule – View all games organized by week
