Can Kennesaw State University Football Compete at the FBS Level in 2024?
As I sit here watching the volleyball highlights from last season, I can't help but draw parallels to what Kennesaw State University football might face in their potential FBS transition. The clip showing Brooke Van Sickle and Jonah Sabete both achieving triple-doubles while landing their signature sharp hits in what could've been a title-clinching fifth set reminds me of how crucial momentum and elite performances are in college athletics. Having followed collegiate sports transitions for over a decade, I've seen numerous programs attempt this jump, and frankly, the success rate isn't exactly encouraging.
Kennesaw State's football program is relatively young compared to established FBS programs, having only started in 2015. Yet what they've accomplished in this short timeframe is nothing short of remarkable. They've consistently been competitive in the FCS, posting impressive records that would make any athletic director proud. In their 2022 season, they finished 11-3 overall with a perfect 8-0 conference record, which demonstrates the kind of dominance that suggests they might be ready for bigger challenges. But here's where my experience tells me to be cautious - dominating the FCS is one thing, competing weekly against FBS programs is entirely different. The resource gap alone is staggering. While exact numbers vary, FBS programs typically operate with budgets ranging from $35-85 million annually, whereas FCS programs often work with $15-25 million. That's a massive difference in coaching staff, facilities, recruiting capabilities, and player development resources.
The volleyball analogy keeps coming back to me. When Van Sickle and Sabete delivered those triple-doubles in high-pressure situations, they demonstrated not just skill but mental toughness - the kind that separates good teams from great ones. For Kennesaw State football to compete at the FBS level, they'll need that same clutch performance mentality across their entire program. I've spoken with several coaches who've made this transition, and they consistently mention the adjustment period required for both players and staff. The speed of the game accelerates dramatically, the physicality increases, and the week-to-week consistency required is substantially higher. Recruiting becomes both easier and more difficult - easier because you can sell FBS competition to prospects, but more difficult because you're now competing against established Power Five programs for talent.
Looking at their current roster composition, Kennesaw State has approximately 85 scholarship players, which meets FBS requirements. However, the quality and depth of those scholarships becomes the real question. In my analysis of their recent recruiting classes, they've been landing some solid three-star prospects, but the percentage of blue-chip recruits remains around 12%, compared to SEC programs that typically feature 45-60% blue-chip recruits. This talent gap manifests most noticeably in the trenches - offensive and defensive lines where the size and strength differential can be overwhelming. I remember watching Appalachian State's transition years ago, and their success came from focusing specifically on developing linemen who could compete physically immediately.
The scheduling aspect presents another fascinating challenge. As an FBS program, Kennesaw State would need to schedule more FBS opponents, including those "money games" against Power Five programs that typically pay $1.2-1.8 million for visiting teams. These games provide crucial budget boosts but also risk demoralizing losses if not approached strategically. What I'd recommend based on successful transitions I've observed is gradually increasing competition difficulty rather than jumping into the deep end immediately. Programs that schedule multiple Power Five opponents in their first FBS season often struggle to build confidence and momentum.
Facility upgrades represent another significant hurdle. Their current stadium seats about 8,300 spectators, while the FBS average is approximately 35,000. Expansion projects typically cost $25-50 million depending on scale and amenities. Having toured numerous athletic facilities across divisions, I can attest that the difference in training facilities, weight rooms, and academic support centers between FCS and FBS is substantial. These aren't just luxuries - they're crucial recruiting tools and player development assets.
The financial commitment required cannot be overstated. Beyond facilities, the ongoing operational costs increase dramatically. Additional scholarships, coaching salaries, travel expenses for more extensive recruiting - it all adds up quickly. Programs that successfully transition typically see a 40-60% budget increase in their first three FBS years. The university would need to demonstrate serious commitment through increased student fees, donor engagement, and potentially institutional subsidies.
What gives me hope for Kennesaw State is their geographic location. Being in the talent-rich state of Georgia provides access to numerous quality players who might prefer staying closer to home. Their proximity to Atlanta offers networking, recruiting, and corporate partnership opportunities that programs in more remote locations lack. I've always believed location is an underrated factor in program success, and Kennesaw State has this advantage working for them.
The cultural transition might be the most challenging aspect. Moving from being a big fish in a small pond to a smaller program in a massive conference requires psychological adjustment for everyone involved. Players who were stars in the FCS become average in the FBS initially. Coaching strategies that worked against FCS opponents need complete overhaul. Even fan expectations need recalibration - from expecting wins to celebrating competitive performances against superior opponents.
Looking specifically at 2024, if the transition happens, I'd project a challenging first season. Based on similar transitions, a 4-8 record would represent solid progress, with competitive losses being more important than the win total itself. The key metrics I'd watch would be points differential (keeping games within 14 points), offensive and defensive efficiency ratings, and recruiting class rankings. If they can show gradual improvement in these areas while building fan engagement and financial support, the long-term outlook could be positive.
The comparison to that volleyball match continues to resonate with me. Just as Van Sickle and Sabete delivered when it mattered most, Kennesaw State will need their key players and coaches to rise to the occasion repeatedly. The transition to FBS isn't about one season - it's about building sustainable competitiveness over 3-5 years. Having witnessed both successful and failed transitions, my cautious optimism for Kennesaw State stems from their rapid previous growth and strategic location. The path won't be easy, and there will undoubtedly be challenging Saturdays, but with proper planning and commitment, they could potentially establish themselves as a competitive FBS program by the latter half of this decade. The journey begins with that first FBS snap in 2024, and frankly, I'm excited to watch it unfold.
