While the College Football Playoff and NFL playoffs are still a few weeks away, late November will offer the first glimpses of high-intensity football when the FCS postseason comes around. On Saturday, Nov. 29, the action will begin with eight first-round games, followed by another eight matchups the following weekend.
Last year’s FCS champs, North Dakota State, will enter the playoffs as a title favorite once again after earning the No. 1 seed on Selection Sunday. But with 24 spots available in the FCS playoffs, there was plenty more to sort out in the bracket. The top eight seeds received first-round byes, while the remaining 16 squads are set to begin their playoff runs before November ends.
Here's a complete look at the 2025 FCS playoff bracket, including seeding for all 24 teams, the schedule and how to watch the games.
STREAM: Watch the FCS playoff selection show live with Fubo (free trial)
FCS playoff bracket 2025
First-round games
- Illinois State vs. No. 16 Southeastern Louisiana
- Yale vs. No. 15 Youngstown State
- New Hampshire vs. No. 14 South Dakota State
- North Dakota vs. No. 13 Tennessee Tech
- Harvard vs. No. 12 Villanova
- Drake vs. No. 11 South Dakota
- Lamar University vs. No. 10 Albilene Christian
- Central Connecticut State vs. No. 9 Rhode Island
Second-round games
- Illinois State/No. 16 Southeastern Louisiana vs. No. 1 North Dakota State
- Yale/No. 15 Youngstown State vs. No. 2 Montana State
- New Hampshire/No. 14 South Dakota State vs. No. 3 Montana
- North Dakota/No. 13 Tennessee Tech vs. No. 4 Tarleton State
- Harvard/No. 12 Villanova vs. No. 5 Lehigh
- Drake/No. 11 South Dakota vs. No. 6 Mercer
- Lamar University/No. 10 Albilene Christian vs. No. 7 Stephen F. Austin
- Central Connecticut State/No. 9 Rhode Island vs. No. 8 UC Davis
How to watch 2025 FCS playoff selection show
The FCS playoff selection show will air on ESPNU at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 23. Viewers can stream the show through Fubo, which offers a free trial or through ESPN+.
FCS playoff schedule 2025
First round
Saturday, Nov. 29
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Yale vs. No. 15 Youngstown State | 12 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Central Connecticut State vs. No. 9 Rhode Island | 12 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Harvard vs. No. 12 Villanova | 12 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Illinois State vs. No. 16 Southeastern Louisiana | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Lamar University vs. No. 10 Abilene Christian | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| North Dakota vs. No. 13 Tennessee Tech | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Drake vs. No. 11 South Dakota | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| New Hampshire vs. No. 14 South Dakota State | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
Second round
Saturday, Dec. 6
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD vs. No. 6 Mercer | 12 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 5 Lehigh | 12 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 1 North Dakota State | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 7 Stephen F. Austin | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 4 Tarleton State | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 3 Montana State | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 2 Montana | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 8 UC Davis | 3 p.m. | ESPN+ |
Quarterfinals
Friday, Dec. 12
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD | 9 p.m. ET | ESPN |
Saturday, Dec. 13
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD | 12 p.m. | ESPN |
| TBD | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
| TBD | TBD | ESPN+ |
Semifinals
Saturday, Dec. 20
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD | 4 p.m. | ABC |
| TBD | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
National championship
Monday, Jan. 5
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Semifinal winners | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |