FCS Playoff 2025: Expert Predictions for Every Game and Round

The 2025 FCS playoffs are set to begin, showcasing a competitive 24-team field. The selection took place on November 23, revealing North Dakota State as the top seed. Montana State and Montana rounded out the top three seeds. The playoffs kick off on Saturday, November 29, offering fans a chance to predict outcomes for each game and round.

2025 FCS Playoff Predictions

First Round Matches

• Illinois State at No. 16 Southeastern Louisiana (1 p.m. ET): Winner – Illinois State
  Illinois State looks to bounce back after a tough loss, relying on their strong pass defense to secure the win.
• Central Connecticut State at No. 9 Rhode Island (12 p.m. ET): Winner – Rhode Island
  Expect a standout performance from running back Antwain Littleton Jr. as Rhode Island aims for victory.
• Harvard at No. 12 Villanova (12 p.m. ET): Winner – Harvard
  Harvard’s quarterback Jaden Craig may prove crucial in this evenly matched contest.
• North Dakota at No. 13 Tennessee Tech (1 p.m. ET): Winner – Tennessee Tech
  Tennessee Tech’s formidable scoring capabilities could overwhelm North Dakota’s defense.
• New Hampshire at No. 14 South Dakota State (1 p.m. ET): Winner – South Dakota State
  A defensive struggle likely favors the Jackrabbits against New Hampshire’s offense.
• Drake at No. 11 South Dakota (1 p.m. ET): Winner – South Dakota
  South Dakota aims for a repeat performance after defeating Drake earlier in the season.
• Lamar at No. 10 Abilene Christian (1 p.m. ET): Winner – Abilene Christian
  Riding a four-game streak, Abilene Christian holds momentum going into this matchup.
• Yale at No. 15 Youngstown State (12 p.m. ET): Winner – Youngstown State
  With quarterback Beau Brungard leading, Youngstown State remains a strong contender.

Second Round Matches

• Illinois State at No. 1 North Dakota State (1 p.m. ET): Winner – North Dakota State
  North Dakota State secured a decisive win over Illinois State in their prior encounter.
• No. 9 Rhode Island at No. 8 UC Davis (3 p.m. ET): Winner – Rhode Island
  Rhode Island’s experienced offense should outpace UC Davis’s defense.
• Harvard at No. 5 Lehigh (12 p.m. ET): Winner – Lehigh
  Running back Luke Yoder may lead Lehigh to victory.
• No. 13 Tennessee Tech at No. 4 Tarleton State (1 p.m. ET): Winner – Tennessee Tech
  Expect Tennessee Tech’s strong run defense to play a pivotal role.
• No. 14 South Dakota State at No. 3 Montana (2 p.m. ET): Winner – Montana
  Montana’s offensive weapons give them an edge against South Dakota State.
• No. 11 South Dakota at No. 6 Mercer (12 p.m. ET): Winner – Mercer
  Mercer’s elite run defense could stifle South Dakota’s offensive efforts.
• No. 10 Abilene Christian at No. 7 Stephen F. Austin (1 p.m. ET): Winner – Abilene Christian
  Abilene Christian’s previous victory against SFA bodes well for this rematch.
• No. 15 Youngstown State at No. 2 Montana State (2 p.m. ET): Winner – Montana State
  Despite a challenging matchup, Montana State should emerge victorious.

Quarterfinals Matches

• No. 9 Rhode Island at No. 1 North Dakota State: Winner – North Dakota State
  Depth in the trenches favors North Dakota State in this matchup.
• No. 13 Tennessee Tech at No. 5 Lehigh: Winner – Tennessee Tech
  Strong offensive statistics may lead to an upset for Tennessee Tech.
• No. 6 Mercer at No. 2 Montana: Winner – Montana
  The intimidating playoff atmosphere in Montana poses a significant challenge for Mercer.
• No. 10 Abilene Christian at No. 2 Montana State: Winner – Montana State
  Montana State’s quarterback capabilities could give them an advantage in this matchup.

Semifinals Matches

• No. 13 Tennessee Tech at No. 1 North Dakota State: Winner – North Dakota State
  North Dakota State’s defensive prowess may halt Tennessee Tech’s run.
• No. 3 Montana at No. 2 Montana State: Winner – Montana State
  Montana State’s home-field advantage could tilt the scales in this rivalry matchup.

FCS Championship Game

• January 5: No. 2 Montana State vs. No. 1 North Dakota State: Winner – North Dakota State
  In what promises to be a gripping rematch, North Dakota State aims for their 11th title.

This year’s FCS playoffs promise to deliver unforgettable matchups and highlight the depth of talent across the field. Fans are encouraged to tune in and witness how each game unfolds.