The 2025 FCS playoffs are nearly here, with eleven automatic bids available through conference affiliations. Along with these, thirteen additional teams will secure at-large bids selected by the FCS Playoff Committee, leading to a competitive 24-team bracket. This bracket will be officially announced on Sunday, November 23, 2024. The playoffs will culminate in a national championship game held in Nashville, Tennessee, on January 5, 2025.
Automatic Bids Overview
Here are the conferences and the teams expected to receive automatic bids:
- ASUN-WAC (UAC)
- Big Sky
- CAA
- Ivy League: Yale
- Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC): North Dakota State
- NEC: Central Connecticut State
- OVC-Big South
- Patriot League: Lehigh
- Pioneer League: Drake
- Southern Conference (SoCon): Mercer
- Southland: Stephen F. Austin
Recent Conference Champions
As of now, several teams have already secured their automatic bids:
- Ivy League: Yale defeated Harvard, 45-28, in Week 13.
- MVFC: North Dakota State claimed the auto bid by beating North Dakota, 15-10, in Week 11.
- NEC: Central Connecticut State clinched their spot with a Week 13 victory over Mercyhurst, 35-28.
- Patriot League: Lehigh earned their position by defeating Lafayette, 42-32, in Week 13.
- Pioneer League: Drake secured their auto bid after a 17-10 win against Morehead State in Week 13.
- SoCon: Mercer clinched their bid with a Week 11 win over Western Carolina, 49-47.
- Southland: Stephen F. Austin captured the auto bid in Week 12 with a win against Lamar.
- SWAC West: Prairie View A&M clinched the title with a Week 12 victory over Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Clinching Scenarios for Conference Titles
As the playoffs near, several teams still have opportunities to secure conference titles in Week 13. Key matchups include:
ASUN-WAC (UAC)
- Abilene Christian: Can clinch with a win over Central Arkansas.
- Tarleton State: Needs to beat Austin Peay and for Abilene Christian to lose.
- Southern Utah: Can clinch if they win against North Alabama and hope for specific outcomes from competitors.
Big Sky
The championship will be determined by the outcome of the Week 13 game between Montana State and Montana.
CAA
The following scenarios are in play for Rhode Island and Villanova:
- Rhode Island: Can secure the auto bid with a win against Hampton.
- Villanova: Needs both Monmouth to lose and for them to win against a common opponent.
SWAC East
- Jackson State: Can win by defeating Alcorn State.
- Alabama State: Needs to win against Arkansas-Pine Bluff and hope for a Jackson State loss.
Conclusion
The 2025 FCS playoffs promise to be an exciting season as teams vie for automatic bids and additional at-large opportunities. With crucial games approaching, the scenario for determining the playoff field remains dynamic and engaging.
