FCS Week 0 Filling Up as Oversight Committee Approves 12-Game Season

FCS programs will open earlier and more often in 2026, with 11 games currently scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27, three games for Friday, Aug. 28 and more than 40 games for Saturday, Aug. 29 while the subdivision standardizes an annual 12-game regular season. The three-day Week 0 slate gives squads more scheduling flexibility and potential TV exposure ahead of the bulk of FBS kickoffs.

"Last offseason, the FCS Oversight Committee and Division I Council approved a recommendation to allow the subdivision to fully begin every season on Week 0, standardizing an annual 12-game regular season." That approval removes a procedural barrier that previously limited how many FCS programs could open a season before most FBS teams.

"Previously, teams needed a waiver to play on Week 0. FCS teams no longer need one, while FBS teams are still required to have a waiver, although it’s likely the top DI football subdivision will eventually begin its full season on Week 0, making it the new Week 1." Removing the waiver requirement for FCS teams immediately alters scheduling calculus for athletic directors weighing early nonconference revenue games, travel logistics and roster readiness.

"The FCS currently has 11 games scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27, three games for Friday, Aug. 28, and more than 40 games for Saturday, Aug. 29." Those day-by-day counts turn Week 0 into a measurable event rather than an occasional outlier, concentrating smaller-conference television and streaming opportunities on Aug. 27-29.

"Starting in the 2026 season, not only can the FCS begin a week before a majority of FBS teams, but the subdivision is also allowed to begin the Thursday of Week 0. So while most FBS teams kick off their season on Saturday, Sept. 5, some FCS teams start their season nine days beforehand on Thursday, Aug. 27. This could open some windows for more national TV games." Thursday windows and a standardized 12-game slate create new inventory for broadcasters and recruiting showcases for programs such as North Dakota; an image caption carried the line "UND beats Montana" with credit Russell Hons/UND Athletics.

"The FBS currently has five games scheduled for Week 0 (Saturday, Aug. 29)." That line appears alongside the Sept. 5 kickoff reference, highlighting a calendar nuance in which a handful of FBS teams already play early while most begin the weekend of Sept. 5.

"While it isn’t a standout slate of games, we’ll get plenty of FCS action on our screens sooner compared to past seasons." For players, coaches and small-market athletic departments the earlier start and 12-game standard amplify stakes: more games mean more exposure for NFL scouts, expanded game-day revenue opportunities and compressed recovery windows during conference play.

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"The FCS Week 0 schedule can be found here." © 2022 HERO SPORTS.