The Will Stein Era: Can Youngstown State Pull Off the Upset?
The upcoming college football season is already sparking intriguing storylines, and one prediction by CBS Sports has caught my attention. They believe that Youngstown State has the potential to upset Kentucky in the opening game of Will Stein's head coaching career. This is a bold claim, especially considering the rarity of FCS upsets against Power Four teams in recent years.
FCS vs. Power Four: A David and Goliath Scenario
What many don't realize is that the Power Four teams have been on a tear, winning 125 consecutive games against FCS opponents since 2022. The last time an FCS team defeated a Power Four opponent was Sacramento State's victory over Stanford in 2023. This dominance raises the question: Can FCS teams ever bridge the gap?
Kentucky's Vulnerability: A Star Quarterback
CBS Sports' Cody Nagel highlights a key factor in Youngstown State's favor: their star quarterback, Beau Brungard. Brungard, the reigning Walter Payton Award winner (the FCS equivalent of the Heisman Trophy), had a phenomenal 2025 season. His dual-threat abilities are impressive, throwing for over 3,000 yards and rushing for nearly 1,500 yards. This is the kind of player who can single-handedly change the course of a game.
Personally, I think this is what makes college football so captivating. The presence of a star quarterback can shift the balance of power, even against a team with superior overall talent. It's a testament to the impact of individual skill and leadership in a team sport.
Kentucky's Past Close Calls
Interestingly, Kentucky's recent history shows a few close calls against FCS opponents. In the Mark Stoops era, they narrowly escaped with victories against EKU in 2015 and Chattanooga in 2021. These games serve as a reminder that upsets are not just theoretical possibilities but very real threats.
The Broader Picture: FCS Teams to Watch
While the focus is on Youngstown State, it's worth noting that CBS Sports identified other FCS teams that could potentially cause upsets. South Dakota State, North Dakota, Tennessee Tech, Austin Peay, and Monmouth are all ranked in the FCS preseason top 25 and will face Power Four opponents. This suggests a trend where FCS teams are becoming more competitive, challenging the traditional hierarchy.
The Stein Factor
As for Will Stein, he has a challenging task ahead. Expectations are high after Kentucky landed a top-10 transfer portal class, but as Nagel points out, talent doesn't always translate to immediate success. First-year coaches often face a steep learning curve. Stein will need to quickly adapt to the pressures of the head coaching role, especially if Youngstown State puts up a fight.
In my opinion, this game will be a true test of Stein's coaching abilities and Kentucky's resilience. It's a fascinating way to kick off the season, and I can't wait to see if the Wildcats can maintain their perfect record against FCS teams or if Youngstown State will pull off the upset of the year.
