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, have already locked in their autobid to the 2025 playoffs as a title favorite, as have teams like Mercer and SFA. But with 24 spots available in the FCS playoffs, there’s plenty to sort out on Selection Sunday. The top eight seeds will receive first-round byes, while the remaining 16 squads will begin their playoff runs before November ends.
The Sporting News is tracking live matchups for the 2025 FCS playoff bracket, including seeding for all 24 teams. Follow along with the bracket as it’s revealed below, along with information about the FCS playoff schedule and how to watch the selection show.
STREAM: Watch the FCS playoff selection show live with Fubo (free trial)
FCS playoff bracket 2025
This section will be updated when the teams are revealed.
First-round games
- Illinois State vs. No. 16 Southeastern Louisiana
- TBD vs. No. 15 TBD
- TBD vs. No. 14 TBD
- North Dakota vs. No. 13 Tennessee Tech
- Harvard vs. No. 12 Villanova
- TBD vs. No. 11 TBD
- TBD vs. No. 10 TBD
- Central Connecticut State vs. No. 9 Rhode Island
Second-round games
- Illinois State/No. 16 Southeastern Louisiana vs. No. 1 North Dakota State
- TBD vs. No. 2 Montana State
- TBD vs. No. 3 Montana
- North Dakota/No. 13 Tennessee Tech vs. No. 4 Tarleton State
- Harvard/No. 12 Villanova vs. No. 5 Lehigh
- TBD vs. No. 6 Mercer
- TBD 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
This section will be updated when the teams are revealed.
First round
Saturday, Nov. 29
Second round
Saturday, Dec. 6
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD vs. No. 1 TBD | TBD | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 2 TBD | TBD | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 3 TBD | TBD | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 4 TBD | TBD | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 5 TBD | TBD | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 6 TBD | TBD | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 7 TBD | TBD | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 8 TBD | TBD | 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 |
