FCS Playoff Bracket: 2025 Guide and Scores

FCS Playoff Bracket 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to the Road to the Championship

The 2025 FCS football playoffs are in full swing, bringing thrilling matchups and unexpected upsets. With 24 teams vying for the national title, the bracket has delivered excitement from the first round. Let's break down the bracket, key scores, and what to expect in the second round.

Yale celebrates after one of the greatest comebacks in FCS playoff history against Youngstown State. - Image from https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/college-sports/live-updates-yale-vs-youngstown-state-in-fcs-playoffs-youngstown-up-2-touchdowns-early/ar-AA1RokzU

Understanding the FCS Playoff Bracket Structure

The 2025 FCS Championship features a 24-team bracket. The top 16 seeds receive byes to the second round, while the remaining eight teams play in the first round on Saturday, November 29. The bracket was revealed on Sunday, November 23, via ESPNU. Eleven conferences earned automatic bids, and the FCS Championship Committee selected 13 at-large teams.

First Round Recap: Shockers and Standouts

The first round did not disappoint. Yale staged one of the greatest comebacks in FCS playoff history, overcoming a 42-14 deficit to stun Youngstown State 43-42. Other notable results included:

No. 12 Villanova 52, Harvard 7
No. 10 Abilene Christian 38, Lamar 20
No. 11 South Dakota 38, Drake 17
No. 14 South Dakota State 41, New Hampshire 3

Second Round Schedule and Matchups

The second round takes place on Saturday, December 6. Here are the key matchups:

1 p.m. ET: North Dakota State vs. Illinois State (ESPN+)
1 p.m. ET: Tarleton State vs. North Dakota (ESPN+)
2 p.m. ET: Stephen F. Austin vs. Abilene Christian (ESPN+)
2 p.m. ET: Montana State vs. Yale (ESPN+)
2 p.m. ET: Montana vs. South Dakota State (ESPN+)
10 p.m. ET: UC Davis vs. Rhode Island (ESPN2)

Second Round Preview and Predictions

Experts are buzzing about these games. Here are some highlights:

No. 1 North Dakota State vs. Illinois State: The Bison are favored, having won 14 straight against the Redbirds. NDSU's defense is stout, ranking second in passing defense. Prediction: North Dakota State 38-10.

Yale vs. No. 2 Montana State: Yale's historic comeback has them riding high, but Montana State is on a 10-game win streak. The Bobcats are expected to control the game. Prediction: Montana State 38-14.

Other predictions include Lehigh over Villanova and Stephen F. Austin over Abilene Christian.

North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton prepares to throw during a crucial playoff game. - Image from https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison-media-zone/mens-sports/bison-qb-cole-payton-finalist-for-fcs-payton-award

Looking Ahead: The Road to Nashville

The quarterfinals are set for December 12-13, with the semifinals on December 20. The national championship game will be held on Monday, January 5, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, and will air on ESPN.

FCS Championship History

North Dakota State is the reigning champion, having won its 10th title in 2024 with a 35-32 victory over Montana State. The Bison have dominated the past decade, winning six titles since 2011.

Stay Updated with FCS Scores

Follow along for the latest FCS scores and bracket updates as the tournament progresses. The road to the championship is filled with drama, and you won't want to miss a moment.