The 2025-26 FCS playoffs feature a 24-team bracket, with play beginning on Saturday, November 29 and ending on Monday, January 5. The top 16 and top eight seeds earn automatic byes to the second round, while the remaining 16 teams compete in the first round.
Here’s everything you should know about the Division I Football Championship postseason.
FCS Selections
The bracket selections for the 2025-26 FCS Championship took place on Sunday, November 23, 2025. The bracket was revealed during a selection program on ESPNU at 12 p.m. ET, as well as a selections release.
Eleven leagues (or conference partnerships/alliances) earn automatic playoff spots. The FCS Championship Committee selects the last 13 at-large bids.
FCS Championship Bracket
FCS championship schedule
All times Eastern
Quarterfinals
- Friday, December 12
- 9 p.m. ET | No. 7 Stephen F. Austin at No. 2 Montana State | ESPN
- Saturday, December 13
- 12 p.m. ET | No. 12 Villanova at No. 4 Tarleton State | ESPN
- 3:30 p.m. ET | No. 11 South Dakota at No. 3 Montana | ABC
- 5 p.m. ET | Illinois State at No. 8 UC Davis| ESPN+
Semifinals
- Saturday, December 20
- Semifinal 1 | 4 p.m. ET | ABC
- Semifinal 2 | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN2
National Championship
- Monday, January 5
- Played at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, TN | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN
FCS championship rounds, dates
- Selection show: 12 p.m. ET Sunday, Nov. 23 on ESPNU
- First round: Saturday, Nov. 29
- No. 9 Rhode Island 27, Central Connecticut State 19
- No. 12 Villanova 52, Harvard 7
- No. 10 Abilene Christian 38, Lamar 20
- No. 11 South Dakota 38, Drake 17
- North Dakota 31, No. 13 Tennessee Tech 6
- No. 14 South Dakota State 41, New Hampshire 3
- Illinois State 21, No. 16 Southeastern Louisiana 3
- Yale 43, No. 15 Youngstown St. 42
- Second round: Saturday, Dec. 6
- No. 12 Villanova 14, No. 5 Lehigh 7
- No. 11 South Dakota 47, No. 6 Mercer 0
- No. 4 Tarleton State 31, North Dakota 13
- Illinois State 29, No. 1 North Dakota State 28
- No. 7 Stephen F. Austin 41, No. 10 Abilene Christian 34
- No. 2 Montana State 21, Yale 13
- No. 3 Montana 50, No. 14 South Dakota State 29
- No. 8 UC Davis 47, No. 9 Rhode Island 26
- Quarterfinals: Friday, Dec. 12 through Saturday, Dec. 13
- Semifinals: Saturday, Dec. 20
- National championship: Monday, Jan. 5 on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET
FCS championship history
North Dakota State is the reigning national champion, claiming its 10th national title in 2024 after a dramatic 35–32 victory over Montana State. The win added another chapter to the Bison’s dominant era, further solidifying the program as one of the most successful dynasties in college football history.
The Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) has produced memorable moments, emerging powerhouses, and intense playoff battles over the last decade. Programs like South Dakota State, James Madison (before its move to the FBS), Sam Houston, and Montana State have all played pivotal roles in shaping the competitive landscape.
The FCS playoffs have traditionally featured a 24-team bracket — a format that allows automatic qualifiers from conferences as well as at-large selections. The postseason has become known for unpredictable matchups, snowy December games, and thrilling finishes leading up to the championship in Frisco, Texas.
Over the last ten years, the championship spotlight has highlighted not only dominant teams but also rising contenders. South Dakota State’s recent climb to national prominence and Sam Houston’s breakthrough spring-season title in 2021 are examples of how the competitive balance continues evolving.
Below is a look at every FCS champion and runner-up from the past decade:
| Year | Champion | Coach | Score | Runner-Up | Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | North Dakota State | Tim Polasek | 35-32 | Montana State | Frisco, Texas |
| 2023 | South Dakota State | Jimmy Rogers | 23-3 | Montana | Frisco, Texas |
| 2022 | South Dakota State | John Stiegelmeier | 45-21 | North Dakota State | Frisco, Texas |
| 2021 | North Dakota State | Matt Entz | 38-10 | Montana State | Frisco, Texas |
| 2020 | Sam Houston | K.C. Keeler | 23-21 | South Dakota State | Frisco, Texas |
| 2019 | North Dakota State | Matt Entz | 28-20 | James Madison | Frisco, Texas |
| 2018 | North Dakota State | Chris Klieman | 38-24 | Eastern Washington | Frisco, Texas |
| 2017 | North Dakota State | Chris Klieman | 17-13 | James Madison | Frisco, Texas |
| 2016 | James Madison | Mike Houston | 28-14 | Youngstown State | Frisco, Texas |
| 2015 | North Dakota State | Chris Klieman | 37-10 | Jacksonville State | Frisco, Texas |
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