The upcoming season opener for Kentucky's football team has sparked an intriguing debate, with CBS Sports predicting an upset by Youngstown State, led by their new head coach, Will Stein. This prediction challenges the notion that FCS upsets against Power Four teams are a thing of the past, with CBS highlighting the rarity of such outcomes.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the analysis provided by CBS Sports' Cody Nagel. Nagel identifies Kentucky as one of the teams vulnerable to an upset, attributing this to the strength of the FCS competition rather than any weakness in the Wildcats. He cites the talent edge that Kentucky will have but also emphasizes the impact of Youngstown State's quarterback, Beau Brungard, who was the recipient of the Walter Payton Award in 2025, the FCS equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.
In my opinion, Nagel's assessment is spot-on. While Kentucky has an impressive track record against FCS teams, with a perfect 26-0 record since 1978, there have been some close calls. The 2015 overtime win against EKU and the 2021 victory over Chattanooga serve as reminders that these games can be unpredictable.
The presence of Brungard, with his impressive stats (3,234 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and an additional 1,468 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns in 2025), is a significant factor. He is a game-changer and could be the X-factor that Youngstown State needs to pull off an upset.
However, it's not just Brungard; Youngstown State is ranked No. 9 in the FCS preseason top 25, indicating a strong overall team. They are one of several FCS teams with a shot at an upset this season, including South Dakota State, North Dakota, Tennessee Tech, Austin Peay, and Monmouth.
This raises a deeper question about the balance of power in college football. While Power Four teams typically dominate, the talent gap between them and FCS teams has narrowed in recent years. The potential for an upset highlights the need for Power Four teams to remain vigilant and not take any opponent lightly.
From my perspective, this prediction by CBS Sports adds an exciting layer of anticipation to Kentucky's season opener. It's a reminder that in the world of college football, anything can happen, and upsets can provide some of the most memorable moments in the sport. So, will Kentucky prove CBS Sports wrong and continue their undefeated streak against FCS teams? Or will Youngstown State, led by the talented Brungard, pull off the upset and send a shockwave through the college football world? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this game has all the ingredients for an electric atmosphere and an unforgettable experience.
