FCS Football Front Page: The Latest News, Notes, & Recruiting Updates (Jan. 19)

The latest news from around FCS football, including Mercer naming a new head coach and Montana landing a major transfer quarterback

The FCS Football Front Page will deliver the biggest and most storylines from across the FCS throughout the offseason.

Each day we will bring you the top stories from around the country regarding FCS football. From coaching changes to recruiting updates, and everything in between the FCS Football Front Page has you covered.

Mercer Names Mike Jacobs As Next Head Football Coach

Mercer officially named Mike Jacobs as the 21st head football coach in school history on Jan. 18. He will replace former head coach Drew Cronic, who resigned after accepting the offensive coordinator role at Navy.

Jacobs spent the past four seasons as the head coach at Lenior-Rhyne and led the Bears to the semifinals of the NCAA Division II Playoffs. He was 32-9 over his four seasons, including three divisional championships and one conference championship.

Before his stint at Lenoir-Rhyne, Jacobs was the head coach at Notre Dame for four seasons. He led the Falcons to a 42-8 record and back-to-back conference championships. Jacobs has a career-winning percentage of 81.3%, which ranks sixth nationally among active Division I and Division II head coaches. 

Former Fresno State QB Logan Fife Signs With Montana

Former Fresno State quarterback Logan Fife has signed with Montana after four seasons with the Bulldogs. He will have two seasons of eligibility remaining for the Grizzlies. He initially committed to Minnesota but announced his decision to open his recruitment on Jan. 7. 

Fife completed 64% of his passes for 1,585 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, nine interceptions, and four rushing touchdowns over 21 games for the Bulldogs. He started two games last season, leading the Bulldogs to a 1-1 record to start the season. 

The 6-foot, 205-pound quarterback signed with Fresno State as a three-star prospect out of Tracy, California. He was the No. 43 dual-threat quarterback and No. 212 player in California, according to 247Sports. He is expected to compete for the starting quarterback spot next season along with returning quarterbacks Sam Vidlak and Keali'i Ah Yat. 

All-Conference DL Antonio O'Berry Signs With Youngstown State 

Former Tiffin defensive lineman Antonio O'Berry has officially signed with Youngstown State. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound defensive end will have two seasons of eligibility with the Penguins. 

O'Berry earned second-team All-Conference honors last season after leading the team in sacks and tackles for loss. He finished the 2023 season with 35 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. He recorded a sack in nine of 11 games, including a season-high two sacks against Kentucky-Wesleyan. 

O'Berry signed with Tiffin out of Wayne High School in Dayton, Ohio. He was a first-team All-GWOC selection as a senior after recording 70 total tackles. 

Tennessee Tech LB Jacquez McGowan Signs With Eastern Kentucky

Former Tennessee Tech linebacker Jacquez McGowan has officially signed with Eastern Kentucky. He will have two years of eligibility remaining for the Colonels. 

McGowan made an immediate impact for the Golden Eagles as a freshman, earning OVC All-Newcomer honors and being named the Male Freshman of the Year. He followed up his stellar freshman season by earning second-team All-Conference honors this past season. Over two seasons, McGowan recorded 131 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions, and three pass breakups. 

McGowan signed with Tennessee Tech out of Valdosta High School in Valdosta, Georgia. He had back-to-back seasons with 100+ tackles and 30+ tackles for loss in high school, earning first-team All-Region honors. Over his final two seasons at Valdosta, McGowan totaled 219 tackles, 64 tackles for loss, 23.5 sacks, and 37 quarterback hurries. 

FCS Football Front Page: The Latest News, Notes, & Recruiting Updates (Jan. 18)