The 2025-26 FCS playoffs are set to kick off with a 24-team bracket, beginning play on Saturday, November 29, and culminating with the national championship game on January 5, 2026. The structure of the playoffs allows for the top 16 teams to be seeded, granting the top eight seeds automatic byes to the second round. The remaining 16 teams will compete in the first round to advance through the postseason.
The championship bracket selection took place on November 23, revealing the matchups during a selection show broadcast on ESPNU. The playoffs will also see eleven conferences, alongside several conference partnerships and alliances, receiving automatic bids, while the FCS Championship Committee will select 13 at-large bids to round out the tournament.
The playoff schedule includes critical dates throughout December leading up to the championship. The quarterfinals will be held over the weekend of December 12 to 13, and the semifinal games are scheduled for December 20. Fans can look forward to the national championship, which will air on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET on January 5.
This year’s playoffs carry significant weight, especially for defending champions North Dakota State, who captured their tenth title last season after defeating Montana State with a close score of 35-32 in Frisco, Texas. An overview of the previous decade shows North Dakota State’s dominance, with multiple championships alongside notable performances from South Dakota State, who also claimed back-to-back titles in recent years.
The playoff system promises an exciting postseason filled with potential upsets and thrilling matchups, as teams fight not only for glory but also for a place in the history of FCS football. With a keen focus on this year’s contenders and previous champions, fans eagerly anticipate a competitive run to the national title.
