Week 1: SoCon Football Schedule

Saturday, August 30, 2025

VMI at Navy

12:00 P.M. ET Annapolis, Md.

TV: CBSSN

North Dakota State at The Citadel

12:00 P.M. ET Charleston, S.C.

TV: ESPN+

William and Mary at Furman

2:00 P.M. ET Greenville, S.C.

TV: ESPN+

Chattanooga at Memphis

4:30 P.M. ET Memphis, Tenn.

TV: ESPN+

Murray State at ETSU

5:30 P.M. ET Johnson City, Tenn.

TV: ESPN+

Gardner-Webb Western Carolina

6:00 P.M. ET Cullowhee, N.C..

TV: ESPN+

Wofford at South Carolina State

6:00 P.M. ET Orangeburg, S.C.

TV: ESPN+

Presbyterian at Mercer

6:00 P.M. ET Macon, GA

TV: ESPN+

Game Previews

VMI at Navy

The two teams haven’t met on the gridiron since 2014, when Navy won 51-14 in Annapolis. With VMI bringing out the rear in the SoCon (picked 9th in the conference’s preseason poll) and Navy coming off a 10-3 season in which they beat Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl, there isn’t much to suggest this time will be different. Expect the Keydets to see what their second and third-teamers can do in the third and fourth quarters on Saturday.

Navy 49, VMI 3

The Citadel vs. NDSU

The reigning champions North Dakota State are seen nationally as heavy favorites as they visit Charleston to take on The Citadel. However, it would be wise not to sleep on the ‘Dogs. They brought in a starting quarterback with D-I experience, Quentin Hayes, and had four players named to the SoCon First Team at SoCon Media Days. That includes LB Je’Mazin Roberts and DB Cale Williams. Williams is a part of a defensive secondary that ranks amongst the top in the SoCon. Returning starting cornerback Bradlee Jones is one of the fastest players in the FCS, and per head coach Maurice Drayton, he could see action on offense, too. But this opponent is of course the powerhouse North Dakota State Bison. Tim Polasek has to replace starting quarterback Cam Miller, but this is still the presumptive favorite to reign again over the FCS. The Citadel will come out hungry with one of the most talented rosters Charleston has seen in recent years, and the game will be much closer than the national perception.

NDSU 34, The Citadel 21

Furman vs. William and Mary

These two teams haven’t faced off in the 21st century: the last between the two was on Sept. 16, 2000, when the Paladins won at home easily, 34-10. But that might not be the case in 2025. William and Mary’s defense has contributors all across the field, including but not limited to Davin Dzidzienyo on the line, graduate linebacker Luke Banbury, and senior corner Jalen Jones. All were named to the CAA First Team prior to the season. Does Furman have enough offensive firepower to get past William and Mary on Saturday? It might be difficult.

William and Mary 24, Furman 14

Chattanooga at Memphis

This matchup features two teams picked close to the top of their respective conferences, though in two different subdivisions. The Mocs have as good a claim as any to be SoCon favorites entering the season: an offensive line led by B.J. Ragland should prop up a solid run game, and good luck passing against Chattanooga’s secondary, led by second-team All-SoCon DB Jeremiah Batiste. But Memphis has been, and still is, one of the premier teams in the AAC. Entering Ryan Silverfield’s sixth season at the helm, the Tigers are 42-21 under the Jacksonville native. That includes two straight seasons of 10 wins at the FBS level, and though they have to replace quarterback Seth Henigan, the Tigers are certainly capable of reloading. Even though Chattanooga has the talent to knock off quite a few FBS teams, Memphis is a bit more than the Mocs can chew.

Memphis 42, Chattanooga 17

ETSU vs. Murray State

Murray State may be the Racers, but their defense needs to watch out for Devontae Houston racing past the line of scrimmage. A quality offensive line for the Bucs combined with the first-team All-SoCon running back is not a good omen for Murray State. The Racers were picked last in the MVC in the conference’s preseason poll, and starting the season on the road in Johnson City is not a great recipe for success.

ETSU 31, Murray State 7

Western Carolina vs. Gardner-Webb

Welcome to Cullowhee, Gardner-Webb. The last time these two in-state teams met, it was in 2021, when the Runnin’ Bulldogs ran away from the Catamounts 52-34 in Boiling Springs. But make no mistake, this is not the same Western Carolina squad as before. Head coach Kerwin Bell has transformed the Catamounts into a winning program with an influx of talent from his home state, Florida. The Catamounts enter the season ranked No. 19 in the FCS Coaches’ Poll, and have the SoCon’s preseason Offensive Player of the Year, quarterback Taron Dickens. Western Carolina has shown they can score in droves. If their defense can stop offenses before the fifty yard-line, look out. Caleb Fisher and Ken Moore Jr. will be the anchors of a defense that can catch many off guard, including Gardner-Webb.

Western Carolina 28, Gardner-Webb 10

Wofford at South Carolina State

South Carolina State was the most recent victor in this series between small dogs in 2019. Coming into the season opener ranked ninth, Wofford fell to the Bulldogs 28-13 at Oliver C. Dawson. Lots can happen in five years: just ask the Terriers. Wofford hasn’t posted a winning season since that 2019 campaign. They’re 12-38 in the 2020s decade. South Carolina State, meanwhile, has appeared in two Celebration Bowls, winning one, and successfully managed the end of the Buddy Pough era with the home run hire of Chennis Berry from Benedict. Wofford made progress last year, winning four road games in one season for the first time since 2019. But as of late August, South Carolina State has the edge, even with Wofford DB CJ Coombes making life difficult in the secondary for either one-time Incarnate Word transfer Ryan Stubblefield or James Madison transfer William Atkins IV, depending on who gets the starting nod.

South Carolina State 27, Wofford 17

Mercer vs. Presbyterian

It’s been four seasons since Presbyterian left the Big South and joined the non-scholarship Pioneer League for football. Since then, the Blue Hose have yet to record a winning record. Against SoCon opponents, they’ve struggled, including last year’s opener against Mercer. The Bears blitzed the Blue Hose, racking up 63 points in a 63-10 victory. DJ Smith threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. With Smith and other key offensive players returning, Mercer was ranked first in the SoCon preseason poll. Presbyterian is outmatched and out-skilled in this matchup.

Mercer 45, Presbyterian 10