Shocking Underdogs Emerge: Who Will Claim the 2025 FCS Football Championship? Don’t Miss This Explosive Bracket Reveal!

Staff

3 months ago · Updated 3 months ago

The 2025-26 FCS playoffs are set to kick off with an exciting 24-team bracket, beginning play on Saturday, November 29, and culminating with the National Championship on Monday, January 5. This year, the top 16 teams have been seeded, with the eight highest seeds receiving automatic byes to the second round. The remaining 16 teams will compete in the first round to advance in the postseason.

For fans eagerly awaiting the action, here's everything you need to know about the Division I Football Championship postseason. The bracket will be revealed during a selection show on ESPNU, scheduled for Sunday, November 23, at 12 p.m. ET. The anticipation surrounding the matchups is already building, particularly as eleven conferences will earn automatic bids to the playoffs, while the FCS Championship Committee will select an additional 13 at-large bids.

Key Dates for the FCS Championship

All times mentioned are in Eastern Time:

Selection Show: Sunday, November 23, 12 p.m. ET on ESPNU
First Round: Saturday, November 29
Second Round: Saturday, December 6
Quarterfinals: December 12-13
Semifinals: Saturday, December 20
National Championship: Monday, January 5, 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN

The reigning champion, North Dakota State, will be looking to defend their title. They claimed their tenth championship in 2024 with a thrilling 35-32 victory over Montana State. The championship history for the FCS is rich, with numerous teams vying for glory in what has become a fiercely competitive landscape.

Here's a brief overview of the FCS champions and runners-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

As the playoffs approach, excitement is palpable among fans and teams alike. With the stakes higher than ever, every game will matter, leading to a thrilling postseason that culminates in the championship showdown. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the FCS playoffs promise to deliver excitement, showcasing the best in Division I football.

Stan Becton, who has been with NCAA.com since 2021, has covered various sports, including FCS football and NCAA championship events. His insights could provide valuable commentary as the action unfolds in the coming weeks. You can follow him on Twitter at @stan_becton.