An unexpected matchup will make for some intense playoff football Saturday as No. 12 Villanova hosts Illinois State in the FCS semifinals.
The Wildcats get an automatic advantage in this matchup, as they'll get to play the Redbirds on home turf, where they've won 23 straight. The Wildcats have impressed the competition in these playoffs, knocking out No. 4 Tarleton State and No. 5 Lehigh. Could they push their season into the championship?
Meanwhile, Illinois State has had a perfect underdog story in the tournament. The unseeded Redbirds pulled off the biggest upset of the postseason, eliminating defending champions No. 1 North Dakota State in the second round, and then No. 8 UC Davis in the quarterfinals.
Who will punch their ticket to Nashville?
Here's everything you need to know about Villanova vs. Illinois State, including TV channel and streaming options for the FCS semifinal game.
Where to watch Villanova vs. Illinois State today: TV channel, live stream
Villanova vs. Illinois State will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2, with Lowell Galindo, Aaron Murray and Lauren Sisler on the call. College football fans can also stream the action live on Fubo or the ESPN app.
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Villanova vs. Illinois State start time
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 20
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | 6:30 p.m. CT
Villanova vs. Illinois State will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 20. The game will be played at Villanova Stadium in Villanova, Pennsylvania.
FCS playoffs schedule 2025
Semifinals
Saturday, Dec. 20
| Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| No. 2 Montana State vs. No. 3 Montana | 4 p.m. ET | ABC, ESPN app, Fubo |
| Illinois State vs. No. 12 Villanova | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN2, ESPN app, Fubo |
Monday, Jan. 5
| Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| National Championship | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, Fubo |
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