The upcoming college football season is upon us, and with it, the anticipation of potential upsets. CBS Sports has highlighted one such possibility, suggesting that Youngstown State could pull off a stunning victory over Kentucky in the opening week of the Will Stein era. This prospect is intriguing, especially given the historical dominance of Power Five conferences over FCS opponents.
The article emphasizes the rarity of FCS upsets against Power Five teams, noting a 125-game winning streak for the latter since 2022. The last notable upset was Sacramento State's victory over Stanford in 2023. However, CBS Sports' Cody Nagel identifies Kentucky as one of six schools, and the only SEC team, that could potentially disrupt this trend. He attributes this to the strength of the FCS competition rather than underestimating the Wildcats.
Nagel's analysis focuses on the Youngstown State Penguins, led by reigning Walter Payton Award winner Beau Brungard. Brungard's impressive 2025 season, with 3,234 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, coupled with 1,468 rushing yards and 27 rushing scores, makes him a formidable player. While Kentucky boasts a talented roster, including a top-10 transfer portal class, the presence of Brungard and Youngstown State's overall ranking of No. 9 in the FCS preseason top 25 adds an element of uncertainty.
The article also mentions other potential upsets, such as South Dakota State at Northwestern, North Dakota at Nebraska, Tennessee Tech at Mississippi State, Austin Peay at Vanderbilt, and Monmouth at West Virginia. However, Kentucky's recent dominance against FCS opponents, including close calls against EKU and Chattanooga, serves as a reminder of their strength.
In conclusion, the prospect of a Youngstown State upset over Kentucky is an intriguing one, but it remains to be seen if CBS Sports' prediction will come to fruition. The upcoming season promises excitement and uncertainty, with the potential for significant upsets that could shape the college football landscape.
