FCS football powerhouse James Madison began its long-awaited transition to FBS football in 2022. The Dukes quickly made waves by winning the Sun Belt's Eastern division. (Well, kind of.)
Now, another familiar FCS brand is beginning its transition toward FBS football: Sam Houston. The Bearkats have been a playoff staple over the last decade and seized a national championship in the (admittedly weird) 2021 spring season – beating both JMU and North Dakota State along the way.'
Yes, both Sam Houston and Jacksonville State will play their first year of FBS football in 2023. From now on, if either program is involved in any FCS vs. FBS upsets, they'll be on the wrong side of them.'
For those interested in the handicapping side of things, here's a quick look at some early Sam Houston odds at the FBS level.