URGENT UPDATE: Defending national champion North Dakota State has just been confirmed as the No. 1 seed in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs, leading a historic six teams from the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) into the tournament. The Bison, boasting an impressive 12-0 record, will make their 16th consecutive playoff appearance this season.
The playoffs kick off on Saturday, November 25, 2025, with first-round matchups already set. North Dakota State will enjoy a first-round bye, as will the other top eight seeds, allowing them to host the second-round games at home. The championship game is scheduled for January 5, 2026, at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
This year’s playoff field comprises 24 teams, including 11 automatic conference champions and 13 at-large selections. North Dakota State solidified their position with a commanding 62-7 victory over St. Thomas-Minnesota, extending their winning streak to 16 games.
The runner-up from last year’s playoffs, Montana State, earned the No. 2 seed after a thrilling 31-28 win against rival Montana, clinching the Big Sky Conference championship. The No. 3 seed goes to Montana, while Tarleton State of the United Athletic Conference claims the No. 4 seed with an 11-1 record.
In a historic twist, the Ivy League joins the playoffs for the first time. Yale, having defeated Harvard 45-28 for the Ivy title, secured the automatic bid, while Harvard also made the cut as an at-large team.
First-round matchups include:
– Illinois State (8-4) at Southeastern Louisiana (9-3)
– Central Connecticut State (8-4) at Rhode Island (10-2)
– Harvard (9-1) at Villanova (9-2)
– North Dakota (7-5) at Tennessee Tech (11-1)
– New Hampshire (8-4) at South Dakota State (8-4)
– Drake (8-3) at South Dakota (8-4)
– Lamar (8-4) at Abilene Christian (8-4)
– Yale (8-2) at Youngstown State (8-4)
Fans and analysts alike are eager to witness how these matchups will shape the playoff landscape, with North Dakota State looking to continue their legacy of success in the FCS. Stay tuned for more updates as the playoffs unfold and teams vie for the championship title!
