2025 FCS Playoff Bracket Predictions Revealed on Selection Sunday Eve
As the selection for the 2025 FCS Playoff approaches, eleven teams have already clinched their spots. An additional thirteen teams will be confirmed on Selection Sunday. This event marks the excitement of the playoff season and the anticipation of potential matchups.
Key 2025 FCS Playoff Predictions
The eve of the playoff announcement saw mixed results for various teams. Several teams, including Lamar, North Dakota, and Northern Arizona, suffered losses. These defeats come at a crucial time, just before the announcement of the 24-team playoff field. Conversely, teams like North Dakota State and Montana State showcased their strong seasons, securing their places in the postseason.
Current Standings
Among the notable performances:
- North Dakota State: Record 12-0
- Montana State: Record 10-2
- Lehigh: Record 12-0
- Tennessee Tech: Record 11-1
- South Dakota State: A comeback after ending a four-game losing streak
Projected Conference Bids
The projected breakdown of bids by conference is as follows:
| Conference | Automatic Qualifiers | Projected At-Large Selections |
|---|---|---|
| Big Sky | 3 | Montana State, Montana, UC Davis |
| CAA Football | 4 | Rhode Island, Monmouth, New Hampshire, Villanova |
| Ivy League | 2 | Yale, Harvard |
| Missouri Valley | 5 | North Dakota State, Illinois State, South Dakota, South Dakota State, Youngstown State |
| NEC Football | 1 | Central Connecticut State |
| OVC-Big South | 1 | Tennessee Tech |
| Patriot League | 1 | Lehigh |
| Pioneer League | 1 | Drake |
| Southern | 1 | Mercer |
| Southland | 2 | Stephen F. Austin, Southeastern Louisiana |
| United Athletic | 3 | Abilene Christian, Southern Utah, Tarleton State |
Outlook for the Playoffs
The last four teams expected to enter the bracket include Monmouth, Illinois State, New Hampshire, and Southern Utah. Meanwhile, Lamar, Austin Peay, North Dakota, and Lafayette remain outside the bracket, awaiting the final decisions.
Upcoming Key Dates
Important dates for the 2025 FCS playoffs are as follows:
- Playoff Selection Show: November 23 at noon ET on ESPNU
- First Round: November 29, broadcast on ESPN Networks
- Second Round: December 6, ESPN Networks
- Quarterfinals: December 12-13, ESPN Networks
- Semifinals: December 20, ESPN Networks
- Championship Game: January 5, 2026, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee at 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
As excitement builds leading up to Selection Sunday, fans and teams alike are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating playoff season.
