FCS Schools Got Paid $1M For FBS Upsets in Week 1

During the opening week of the college football season, three FCS teams triumphed over higher-ranked FBS opponents, receiving over $1 million in compensation for their victories. These upsets were not unexpected during the early weeks of the season, as smaller programs often accept invitations to play in "money games" or "guarantee games" offered by more prominent teams. The FCS programs typically accept these opportunities for the financial gain, as well as the increased exposure they might not receive otherwise.

Rutgers, a member of the Big Ten, paid out $1.55 million to UMass, but the upset was ultimately undone as Rutgers lost 37-21. Three Group of 6 (non-power conferences) teams faced similar challenges on Saturday. Idaho State, finishing fifth in the Big Sky last season, paid $400,000 to travel to Utah and defeat the Utah State Aggies in their first game as members of the restructured Pac-12.

Tarleton State, ranked No. 5 in the FCS coaches poll, paid $360,000 to play their Mid-American Conference (MAC) opponent, Army, in Kentucky. The team, which had only recently joined Division I, went on to secure their second victory over an FBS team in two seasons. Finally, Citadel, representing the Southern Conference, paid $305,000 to overcome Citadel 43, Charlotte 41, in a three-overtime contest in North Carolina. The win marked Citadel's tenth overall victory against an FBS program.