Latest news with #FCS
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
College football leaders revisit moving up season to Week Zero
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — College leaders are again exploring an earlier football kickoff date. Executives this week re-examined an issue that has, for years, been under discussion: making Week Zero a permanent playing date for college football teams. FBS leaders held more conversations on the long-discussed concept during the annual three-day gathering of Division I conference commissioners here this week. Advertisement Commissioners expect the conversation to continue in the coming weeks and months. While there is growing support for the move, no formal proposal has been introduced. That's not the case for FCS. The division is expected to formalize a proposal that permits schools to begin playing on Week Zero — a decision that would add a 12th regular season game to the schedule starting in 2026. For FBS, the decision is more complex. Some do not support shifting the season-opening week from Labor Day weekend — a holiday coinciding with a smorgasbord of college football. However, such a move creates an additional bye week for teams that choose to play on what would be the new Week 1 — an incentive that provides more rest during a college football season that continues to get extended. Advertisement 'My view is we should have a consistent start date,' SEC commissioner Greg Sankey told Yahoo Sports on Thursday. 'The adage is, teams make their most substantial improvement between Games 1 and 2. I think we should have a consistent start date. Labor Day weekend has been a good start date for college football. 'The fact we are taking another look at it could be interesting,' Sankey said of permanently playing on Week Zero. 'I'm not opposed to that. I want to make sure it's a broad view of the issues and not something narrow.' For now, schools wanting to play on Week Zero must be granted a waiver by NCAA governance committees. Under NCAA bylaw 17.11.4, FBS teams cannot play their first game until the Thursday before Labor Day. However, an exception to the rule was instituted in 2016 (NCAA bylaw 17.11.4.1), allowing Hawaii and teams that visit Hawaii the option to play on the Saturday before Labor Day weekend. Two years ago, there was the introduction of a foreign travel exemption (NCAA bylaw 17.11.4.3), allowing Navy to face Notre Dame in Dublin, Ireland. Advertisement Eliminating waivers across all NCAA areas has been a focal point for university leadership over the last several years, as they often result in difficult-to-defend legal challenges. 'We had a good discussion about the calendar and a uniform start date for FBS instead of continuing to deal with waiver requests, case by case,' American commissioner Tim Pernetti told Yahoo Sports. 'A consistent start date is a key element to the future of FBS.' Whether that standard start date will be in its current position or move up a week remains murky. Over the last three years, Week Zero has been central to discussions related to a long-discussed shift of the regular season by a week. Three years ago, College Football Playoff leaders spent several meetings discussing moving up the regular season by a week, which would shift rivalry games off of Thanksgiving, make conference championship weekend on that holiday and free up an extra weekend in December to hold rounds of a rapidly expanding playoff. Advertisement The latest conversations around Week Zero are, for now, not centered on a full shift in the regular season, though some hope, eventually, that will happen. The move from FCS to begin regularly playing on Week Zero may serve as a trigger for FBS. The two divisions often hold games against one another early in the season — quasi-preseason games for power programs looking to fine-tune a new team before bigger matchups on Labor Day weekend and beyond. Week Zero has been a popular playing date for a handful of teams, though the number is declining. Twelve games involving an FBS team were played on Week Zero in 2022. There are four FBS games scheduled for Week Zero this year — the same as last season.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
College football leaders rehashing moving up season to Week Zero
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — College leaders are again exploring an earlier football kickoff date. Executives this week re-examined an issue that has, for years, been under discussion: making Week Zero a permanent playing date for college football teams. FBS leaders held more conversations on the long-discussed concept during the annual three-day gathering of Division I conference commissioners here this week. Advertisement Commissioners expect the conversation to continue in the coming weeks and months. While there is growing support for the move, no formal proposal has been introduced. That's not the case for FCS. The division is expected to formalize a proposal that permits schools to begin playing on Week Zero — a decision that would add a 12th regular season game to the schedule starting in 2026. For FBS, the decision is more complex. Some do not support shifting the season-opening week from Labor Day weekend — a holiday coinciding with a smorgasbord of college football. However, such a move creates an additional bye week for teams that choose to play on what would be the new Week 1 — an incentive that provides more rest during a college football season that continues to get extended. Advertisement 'My view is we should have a consistent start date,' SEC commissioner Greg Sankey told Yahoo Sports on Thursday. 'The adage is, teams make their most substantial improvement between Games 1 and 2. I think we should have a consistent start date. Labor Day weekend has been a good start date for college football. 'The fact we are taking another look at it could be interesting,' Sankey said of permanently playing on Week Zero. 'I'm not opposed to that. I want to make sure it's a broad view of the issues and not something narrow.' For now, schools wanting to play on Week Zero must be granted a waiver by NCAA governance committees. Under NCAA bylaw 17.11.4, FBS teams cannot play their first game until the Thursday before Labor Day. However, an exception to the rule was instituted in 2016 (NCAA bylaw 17.11.4.1), allowing Hawaii and teams that visit Hawaii the option to play on the Saturday before Labor Day weekend. Two years ago, there was the introduction of a foreign travel exemption (NCAA bylaw 17.11.4.3), allowing Navy to face Notre Dame in Dublin, Ireland. Advertisement Eliminating waivers across all NCAA areas has been a focal point for university leadership over the last several years, as they often result in difficult-to-defend legal challenges. 'We had a good discussion about the calendar and a uniform start date for FBS instead of continuing to deal with waiver requests, case by case,' American commissioner Tim Pernetti told Yahoo Sports. 'A consistent start date is a key element to the future of FBS.' Whether that standard start date will be in its current position or move up a week remains murky. Over the last three years, Week Zero has been central to discussions related to a long-discussed shift of the regular season by a week. Three years ago, College Football Playoff leaders spent several meetings discussing moving up the regular season by a week, which would shift rivalry games off of Thanksgiving, make conference championship weekend on that holiday and free up an extra weekend in December to hold rounds of a rapidly expanding playoff. Advertisement The latest conversations around Week Zero are, for now, not centered on a full shift in the regular season, though some hope, eventually, that will happen. The move from FCS to begin regularly playing on Week Zero may serve as a trigger for FBS. The two divisions often hold games against one another early in the season — quasi-preseason games for power programs looking to fine-tune a new team before bigger matchups on Labor Day weekend and beyond. Week Zero has been a popular playing date for a handful of teams, though the number is declining. Twelve games involving an FBS team were played on Week Zero in 2022. There are four FBS games scheduled for Week Zero this year — the same as last season.


Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Bowling Green linebacker named ESPN breaks the internet with his unbelievable name
Bowling Green linebacker named ESPN breaks the internet with his unbelievable name A surprise name is making people talk about Bowling Green football. It's not a game, a touchdown, or even a highlight play. It's a player's name-yes, just his name. This college linebacker has caught attention across the country, and now his name is all over social media. People are searching, tweeting, and joking, but also praising. The internet can't stop talking about him. Gideon ESPN Lampron 's name sends internet into frenzy On June 19, 2025, Bowling Green State University linebacker Gideon ESPN Lampron went viral after his unique name made its way onto X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and college football forums. People turned their attention to him after they noticed his complete name on the list of incoming FCS returning stars for the next season. Playing for Bowling Green Falcons, a Division I team contesting Mid-American Conference, Gideon ESPN The linebacker has always stood out for his speed and power on the field, yet this week his middle name, "ESPN," caught national notice. His name began trending after users pointed it out during a thread of 'coolest college football names.' Gideon was born in the U.S. in the early 2000s, and yes, his middle name really is ESPN named after the famous sports network. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Fans were shocked but also impressed by how the name fits perfectly with his football career. 'I never thought my name would blow up like this,' Gideon told a local Ohio radio station on June 19. 'I've had it since I was born. My parents are big sports fans. I've always just been Gideon to my friends, but I guess now everyone knows the full thing.' Also Read: Eagles Bring In Bowling Green Head Coach Scot Loeffler To Oversee Quarterbacks Gideon ESPN Lampron was also named an FCS All-American in 2024 While his name has drawn eyes, Gideon ESPN Lampron's football talent is just as impressive. One of the top distinctions for a player at the FCS level, December 2024 saw the Associated Press name him First-Team FCS All-American linebacker. Bowling Green relied on him significantly throughout the 2024 campaign; he finished with two forced fumbles, four sacks, and 112 total tackles. Driven workers and team leaders among coaches and teammates see him. "He's got the game too," Falcons head coach Scot Loeffler said following practice on June 20 in an interview. 'He plays with heart and leads with energy. We're lucky to have him.' The Falcons begin their 2025 season in late August, and all eyes will be on #45—both for the plays he makes and the name on the roster sheet. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here


The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Empangeni detective nominated for KZN award
Continued dedication earned Empangeni-based FCS Detective Sergeant Sanele Shoba a nomination for FCS Investigator of the Year Level 5-7. Shoba was among the top police achievers at the KZN Police Awards held at the Durban ICC last Friday night. He humbly attributes his success to unit commander Lieutenant Colonel BY Sosibo for providing invaluable guidance on cases. Shoba also acknowledged the tireless efforts of his office members, and his loving family for constant support and encouragement. At the ceremony, KZN police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said excellence is achieved by those who reflect on their performances, analyse their shortfalls, and engage in initiatives that bring success. 'The year brought us excellent moments that we need to cherish, but there are also some areas that need improvement. In our quest for perfection, we must celebrate the wins and honour those who have propelled the province to greatness,' said Mkhwanazi. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


CBS News
4 days ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Sac State athletics to join Big West in all but football in 2026
Sacramento State athletics will be joining the Big West Conference effective July 1, 2026, in everything but football, sources confirmed to CBS Sacramento on Thursday. On Monday, the NCAA Football Oversight Committee recommended to the Division 1 Council not to support Sacramento State's waiver request to join the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the highest level of college football. Sacramento State currently plays in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The Hornets are still awaiting an official decision from the council on that waiver, which should come next week. If denied, sources say Sacramento State's short-term plan is to remain in the FCS as an independent. Sacramento State has been a member of the Big Sky Conference since 1996.