2025 FCS Football Playoff Bracket Forecasts (Nov. 22)
The 2025 FCS Football Playoffs are set to include 24 teams, with 11 automatic bids awarded to conference champions and 13 at-large bids. This year’s tournament marks a historic moment, as the Ivy League will participate in the FCS playoffs for the first time. The official playoff bracket will be unveiled on Sunday, November 23, at 11 a.m. CT on ESPNU.
Key Details of the 2025 FCS Playoffs
- Number of Teams: 24
- Automatic Bids: 11 (conference champions)
- At-large Bids: 13
- Bracket Release Date: November 23, 2025
- Broadcast Channel: ESPNU
Top Seeds and Team Performance
The selection committee has made projections for the top 16 seeds based on team performance throughout the season:
1. North Dakota State (12-0)
2. Montana State (10-2)
3. Montana (11-1)
4. Lehigh (12-0)
5. Tarleton State (11-1)
6. Tennessee Tech (11-1)
7. Mercer (9-2)
8. Rhode Island (10-2)
9. Stephen F. Austin (10-2)
10. Villanova (9-2)
11. Abilene Christian (8-4)
12. South Dakota (8-4)
13. South Dakota State (8-4)
14. UC Davis (8-3)
15. Youngstown State (8-4)
16. Harvard (9-1)
Bubble Teams and Last Four In
The competition is fierce, with several teams on the bubble for the final playoff spots. The following teams are likely to be included as the last four in:
- Illinois State (8-4)
- Lamar (8-4)
- Southeastern Louisiana (9-3)
- North Dakota (7-5)
These teams faced challenges during the season but showcased enough strength to remain competitive in the playoff race.
Important Dates in the FCS Playoff Schedule
The timeline for the playoffs is as follows:
- Playoff Selection Show: November 23, 2025 (Noon ET, ESPNU)
- First Round: November 29, 2025
- Second Round: December 6, 2025
- Quarterfinals: December 12-13, 2025
- Semifinals: December 20, 2025
- FCS National Championship: January 5, 2026 (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
The 2025 FCS Football Playoffs promise to deliver thrilling matchups and competitive spirit, as teams vie for the championship title. With a blend of seasoned powerhouses and emerging teams, this season’s playoffs will be a memorable chapter in FCS history.
