As far as I am concerned, we have 10 games that are locked in. The UMass game is now in peril because they have scheduled a home game against Temple. They are already rumored to be dropping BC (we will get back to them) and will have to drop one more of us, Missouri, or Iowa (all road games).
The following programs have an opening but have not yet scheduled an FCS opponent:
Baylor
Pitt
UL Monroe
Kennesaw State
The above schools are not likely to feature on our schedule next year.
The following programs play in the MW and get to play 13 games if they play Hawaii on the road or are Hawaii:
Hawaii
Utah State
Fresno State
SDSU
Wyoming
I would play anyone of those five but I don't think any will reciprocate.
The following are schools that have an opening and already have an FCS game scheduled or don't usually schedule one:
Boston College
SMU
Air Force
Notre Dame
Southern Miss
If UMass drops us, we will need two games (at least one will need to be a home game).
I want BC. We can play them on the road as part of a home and home with the home game either in 2026 or 2027.
I actually think that is the most likely scenario if UMass stays on our schedule and drops BC.
If UMass is off the schedule, I would want BC (road) and Air Force (home). We need to avoid playing 2 FCS teams.