The 2025 FCS Football Championship Is Here: Are You Ready for the Shocking Upsets and Must-See Matchups?

Staff

7 days ago · Updated 7 days ago

The anticipation is building as the 2025-26 FCS playoffs approach, featuring a competitive 24-team bracket. Play will commence on Saturday, November 29, and culminate in the national championship game on Monday, January 5, 2026. The tournament structure is designed to reward top-performing teams, with the top 16 receiving seeds and the eight highest seeds earning automatic byes into the second round.

On Sunday, November 23, 2025, the bracket selections were unveiled during a selection show on ESPNU, showcasing the culmination of a season filled with grit and determination. Eleven conferences, alongside various conference partnerships and alliances, secured automatic bids to the playoffs. The remaining 13 at-large bids were determined by the FCS Championship Committee.

For football fans, the excitement escalates as teams prepare for crucial matchups. The first round kicks off on November 29, with subsequent rounds following closely behind:

Second Round: Saturday, December 6
Quarterfinals: Friday, December 12, and Saturday, December 13
Semifinals: Saturday, December 20
National Championship: Monday, January 5, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on ESPN

The reigning champion, North Dakota State, will look to defend its title after a thrilling 35-32 victory over Montana State in the 2024 championship. This game highlighted not only the competitiveness of FCS football but also the rich tradition of excellence that teams like North Dakota State have established over the years.

FCS Championship History

Over the past decade, North Dakota State has dominated the FCS landscape, securing multiple championships. Here’s a look back at the FCS champions and their respective runner-ups from the last ten years:

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

With such a storied history and fierce competition ahead, the FCS playoffs promise to be a showcase of talent, strategy, and heart. Fans across the country are eagerly awaiting the thrilling matchups that will unfold as teams battle for the ultimate prize in FCS football. Whether you're a die-hard supporter of a particular team or a casual spectator, the excitement of the championship is sure to capture the attention of all football enthusiasts.