Get ready for an exciting ride as we dive into the world of FCS football and its highly anticipated 2025 championship! The battle for the crown is about to begin, and you won't want to miss a single moment!
The 2025-26 FCS playoffs are set to be a thrilling spectacle, featuring a 24-team bracket that will determine the ultimate champion of Division I Football. With the top 16 teams already seeded and eight of them receiving automatic byes to the second round, the competition is fierce and the stakes are high.
But here's where it gets controversial... The remaining 16 teams will battle it out in the first round, and the winners will advance to face the top seeds. It's a true test of skill and strategy, and the outcome is anyone's guess!
Let's take a closer look at the bracket selections and the schedule for this epic tournament:
Bracket Selections:
The 2025-26 FCS Championship bracket was unveiled on Sunday, November 23, 2025, during a selection show on ESPNU. Eleven conferences or alliances earned automatic bids, while the FCS Championship Committee selected the remaining 13 at-large bids. You can find the complete list of auto-bids here.
Schedule and Rounds:
- First Round: Saturday, November 29, on ESPN+
- Second Round: Saturday, December 6
- Quarterfinals: Friday, December 12, and Saturday, December 13
- Semifinals: Saturday, December 20
- National Championship: Monday, January 5, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, played at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, TN
And this is the part most people miss... The FCS championship has a rich history, with North Dakota State reigning as the current national champion, having won their 10th title in 2024. Here's a glimpse at the past decade's champions and runners-up:
| 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 |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
You can explore the full list of champions since 1978 here.
The 2025-26 FCS National Championship Game:
Mark your calendars for the grand finale! The date, time, and TV channel for this highly anticipated game are set, and you won't want to miss it. Get ready for an unforgettable experience as the best teams battle it out for the ultimate glory.
Other Championship Highlights:
- 2025 DIII Football Championship: Stay tuned for coverage, including the selection show, bracket, schedule, live streams, and scores.
- 2025 Big Ten Championship Game: A quick guide to this prestigious event.
As we gear up for these thrilling championships, remember that the beauty of sports lies in its unpredictability. Who will emerge victorious? Will the favorites prevail, or will an underdog steal the show? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below! Let's celebrate the spirit of competition and enjoy the journey to the top!
