The 2025-26 FCS Football Championship: A Comprehensive Overview
The excitement surrounding college football reaches its pinnacle during the playoff season, and the 2025-26 FCS Football Championship is set to be a spectacle filled with thrilling matchups, passionate fan support, and fiercely competitive teams. The journey to the championship will unfold through a well-structured 24-team bracket, starting on Saturday, November 29, and culminating in the highly anticipated national championship game on Monday, January 5.
FCS Championship Bracket
The FCS playoffs adopt a 24-team format, where the top 16 teams will be seeded. Notably, the top eight seeds will enjoy a coveted bye into the second round, leaving the remaining 16 teams to battle it out in the first round. This setup creates an exhilarating mix of competition, as lower-seeded teams strive to upset their higher-ranked foes.
For a visual representation of the matchups, you can view the bracket here.
FCS Championship Schedule
The championship schedule is packed with action, and every moment counts as teams vie for the ultimate prize in FCS football. Below are the crucial dates to mark on your calendar, all in Eastern Time:
Key Dates:
- Selection Show: Sunday, November 23, at 12 p.m. ET on ESPNU
- First Round: Saturday, November 29
- Second Round: Saturday, December 6
- Quarterfinals: December 12-13
- Semifinals: Saturday, December 20
- National Championship: Monday, January 5, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN
Semifinals and Championship Details
As the playoffs advance, the stakes become even higher. The semifinals will be held on December 20, followed by the grand finale — the national championship — set for January 5. Expectations are building as fans revision past achievements and speculate on potential new champions.
Understanding FCS Selections
The excitement doesn’t just come from the games; it also arises during the selection process. The bracket for the 2025-26 FCS Championship was revealed during a selection show on November 23, 2025. Eleven conferences secure automatic bids through their excellence during the regular season, while the remaining teams are filled in by the selection committee.
If you want to track the automatic bids clinched by the conferences, click here.
Recent FCS Championship History
Historically, the championship has seen some memorable moments, and as of now, North Dakota State stands as the reigning champion, having claimed their tenth title in 2024 with a narrow victory over Montana State (35-32). The history of champions reveals a legacy filled with competition and skill.
Championship Winners Over the Decade:
| 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 |
| 2021 | North Dakota State | Matt Entz | 38-10 | Montana State | Frisco, Texas |
| 2020 | Sam Houston | K.C. Keeler | 23-21 | South Dakota State | Frisco, Texas |
| 2019 | North Dakota State | Matt Entz | 28-20 | James Madison | Frisco, Texas |
| 2018 | North Dakota State | Chris Klieman | 38-24 | Eastern Washington | Frisco, Texas |
| 2017 | North Dakota State | Chris Klieman | 17-13 | James Madison | Frisco, Texas |
| 2016 | James Madison | Mike Houston | 28-14 | Youngstown State | Frisco, Texas |
| 2015 | North Dakota State | Chris Klieman | 37-10 | Jacksonville State | Frisco, Texas |
To explore the entire list of champions since 1978, click here.
Expert Insight from Stan Becton
Stan Becton, an accomplished journalist with a rich background in college sports reporting, brings a keen understanding of the FCS landscape. Having covered numerous NCAA championship events, including the FCS Championship, he provides invaluable perspectives and insights into the narratives that shape this thrilling postseason.
Stay tuned as the 2025-26 FCS Football Championship promises heart-stopping action, dramatic upsets, and the chance for greatness as teams compete for their place in history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to FCS football, this championship season is one you won’t want to miss!
