FCS Playoff Bracket 2025: Dates, Teams, And Predictions

The NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs are the culmination of a season's worth of hard work, where the best teams in the nation compete for the ultimate prize. As we look ahead to 2025, anticipation is already building for another thrilling tournament. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the FCS Playoff Bracket 2025, including key dates, potential teams, and expert predictions.

What is the FCS Playoff Bracket?

The FCS Playoff Bracket is a 24-team tournament that determines the national champion of the Football Championship Subdivision. Unlike the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), which uses a four-team playoff system determined by a selection committee, the FCS playoffs offer a more extensive bracket, allowing a broader range of teams to compete for the title. The bracket includes automatic qualifiers from various conferences and at-large bids awarded to deserving teams.

Key Dates for the 2025 FCS Playoffs

Understanding the timeline for the FCS playoffs is crucial for fans and teams alike. Here are the key dates to mark on your calendar for the 2025 playoffs:

• Selection Sunday: Sunday, November 23, 2025
• First Round Games: Saturday, November 29, 2025
• Second Round Games: Saturday, December 6, 2025
• Quarterfinal Games: Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13, 2025
• Semifinal Games: Friday, December 19 and Saturday, December 20, 2025
• National Championship Game: Sunday, January 4, 2026 (Frisco, Texas)

How Teams Qualify for the FCS Playoffs

Twenty-four teams earn a spot in the FCS Playoff Bracket through a combination of automatic qualifiers and at-large bids:

1. Automatic Qualifiers: Each of the FCS conferences receives an automatic bid for its champion. This ensures representation from all regions of the country.
2. At-Large Bids: The remaining spots are filled by at-large bids, selected by the NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee. These bids are typically awarded to teams with strong records, tough schedules, and impressive performances throughout the season.

Potential Teams to Watch in 2025

While it's impossible to predict the exact field for the 2025 FCS playoffs, several teams are consistently in contention. Here are some programs to keep an eye on:

• South Dakota State Jackrabbits: The Jackrabbits have been a dominant force in recent years, consistently making deep playoff runs.
• North Dakota State Bison: As one of the most storied programs in FCS history, the Bison are always a threat.
• Montana State Bobcats: The Bobcats have emerged as a strong contender, known for their physicality and strong running game.
• Sacramento State Hornets: The Hornets have built a reputation for offensive firepower and exciting gameplay.
• Samford Bulldogs: Keep an eye on the Samford Bulldogs, known for their high-scoring offense led by talented quarterbacks and receivers.

FCS Playoff Bracket Predictions

Making predictions for the FCS playoffs is always a challenging task, given the parity and competitiveness of the division. However, analyzing past performance, returning talent, and coaching changes can provide some insights. Here are some early predictions for the 2025 tournament: — Mercedes 560 SL For Sale: Find Yours Today!

• South Dakota State Jackrabbits: Continuing their strong run, the Jackrabbits are likely to be a top seed and a favorite to reach the championship game.
• North Dakota State Bison: The Bison's experience and tradition make them a perennial contender.
• Montana State Bobcats: With a strong core of returning players, the Bobcats could make another deep playoff run.

These are just a few potential scenarios, and the actual bracket will depend on the outcomes of the regular season games. The FCS playoffs are known for their upsets and surprises, so anything can happen. — Brewers Game Today: Time, Channel, And More!

How the FCS Playoff Bracket Works

The 24-team bracket is structured to ensure that the top teams receive byes and favorable matchups. Here’s a breakdown of how the bracket works:

1. Top Eight Seeds: The top eight teams are seeded and receive a first-round bye, allowing them to advance directly to the second round.
2. First Round: The remaining 16 teams compete in eight first-round games, with the winners advancing to the second round.
3. Second Round: The eight seeded teams join the eight first-round winners for the second-round matchups.
4. Quarterfinals: The eight second-round winners advance to the quarterfinals.
5. Semifinals: The four quarterfinal winners compete in the semifinals, with the winners advancing to the championship game.
6. National Championship: The final two teams battle for the FCS national championship.

The bracket is designed to reward regular-season success, giving higher-seeded teams an advantage throughout the tournament. However, the single-elimination format means that every game is crucial, and upsets are always possible. — Johnstown, CO Weather Forecast: Today & This Week

Where to Watch the FCS Playoffs

The FCS playoffs are broadcast on various ESPN networks, providing fans with extensive coverage of the tournament. ESPN typically airs all playoff games, including the first round, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the championship game. Check your local listings for specific broadcast times and channels. Additionally, streaming options are available through ESPN's digital platforms, allowing fans to watch games on their computers, tablets, and mobile devices.

Factors That Influence FCS Playoff Seeding

Several factors come into play when the NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee selects and seeds teams for the FCS playoffs. Understanding these factors can help fans and analysts predict the bracket and assess teams' chances of making the tournament. Here are some key elements:

• Regular Season Record: A team's overall record is one of the most significant factors. Teams with more wins are more likely to receive bids and higher seeds.
• Strength of Schedule: The committee evaluates the difficulty of a team's schedule, considering the caliber of their opponents and the conferences they compete in. Playing a challenging schedule can boost a team's resume.
• Conference Affiliation: While each conference champion receives an automatic bid, the committee also considers the overall strength of the conference when awarding at-large bids.
• Head-to-Head Results: Wins and losses against other playoff contenders carry significant weight. Head-to-head victories can be a crucial tiebreaker.
• Performance Against Common Opponents: If teams have played common opponents, their performance in those games can be a factor in the selection process.
• Sagarin Ratings: The Sagarin ratings, a computer-based ranking system, are used as one of several metrics to evaluate teams. These ratings provide an objective measure of a team's performance.

FAQ Section

When is the FCS National Championship Game 2025?

The FCS National Championship Game 2025 will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, in Frisco, Texas.

How many teams make the FCS Playoffs?

24 teams make the FCS Playoffs, including automatic qualifiers from conferences and at-large bids.

How are teams selected for the FCS Playoffs?

Teams are selected based on their regular-season record, strength of schedule, conference affiliation, and other factors considered by the NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee.

Which teams are favored to make the 2025 FCS Playoffs?

Teams like South Dakota State, North Dakota State, and Montana State are often favored due to their consistent performance and strong programs.

Where can I watch the FCS Playoff games?

The FCS Playoff games are broadcast on ESPN networks and available for streaming through ESPN's digital platforms.

What is an at-large bid in the FCS Playoffs?

An at-large bid is a selection awarded to teams that did not win their conference championship but are still considered strong contenders based on their overall performance.

How many rounds are there in the FCS Playoffs?

There are four rounds in the FCS Playoffs: the first round, second round, quarterfinals, and semifinals, culminating in the National Championship Game.

Conclusion

The FCS Playoff Bracket 2025 promises to be another exciting chapter in college football. With key dates set and potential teams emerging, fans can look forward to thrilling matchups and intense competition. Understanding the playoff format, the selection process, and the factors that influence seeding can enhance your enjoyment of the tournament. Be sure to mark your calendars for the key dates and tune in to ESPN to catch all the action. As the season unfolds, stay updated on team performances and expert predictions to stay ahead of the game. The road to Frisco begins now, and the journey to the national championship will be filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. Make sure to check out all the teams and consider placing your bets for the playoffs.