@ Mercer to Open 2025 The Aggies vs Mercer game is ranked as the #3 best FCS non-conference game in the 2025 season.
#3: No. 8 UC Davis vs. No. 11 Mercer (8/23)
The Week 0 FCS Kickoff has lacked compelling matchups, and a neutral site hasn’t helped. It’s still in Montgomery, AL, but it features two quarterfinal teams from last year. Both squads lose their starting quarterback, although Mercer’s DJ Smith is back after he started the first half of last season before being slowed by an injury. The Bears also return their No. 2 and 3 wide receivers and three offensive linemen who started at least six games last year. Defensively, they lose nine of their top 12 tacklers from last year’s unit but return All-American DE Andrew Zock. The Aggies return their leading wide receiver (Samuel Gbatu Jr.), All-Conference tight end (Winston Williams), and five OL who started at least eight games in 2024. Defensively, they return All-Americans Rex and Porter Connors while adding three FCS transfers who earned 2024 All-Conference honors and three FBS transfers with starting experience. As the SoCon eyes more respect from the playoff committee, a win over a Big Sky contender would be huge. And for UC Davis, it looks to prove it may be just as good as last year’s squad.[/quote]
https://herosports.com/fcs-football-2025-best-non-conference-games-bzbz/