2025 FCS Playoffs Bracket and Schedule: Complete Breakdown
The 2025 FCS playoff bracket just dropped, and honestly, it’s shaping up to be one of the more unpredictable postseasons in recent memory. This year’s lineup has the usual juggernauts, but a few new faces have snuck in too, all with their eyes on that national championship.
Let’s get into the matchups, spotlight a few teams and players, and maybe toss out some predictions. Updates will come as the rounds go on, but for now, you can follow all the FCS action on X, Facebook, and YouTube if you’re feeling plugged in.
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2025 FCS Playoff Bracket Overview
Looking at the bracket, there’s no shortage of drama. The first-round games already have a few that could go sideways fast, and the winners are in for some serious challenges:
- Central Connecticut State at No. 9 Rhode Island (Winner at No. 8 UC Davis)
- Lamar at No. 10 Abilene Christian (Winner at No. 7 Stephen F. Austin)
- Drake at No. 11 South Dakota (Winner at No. 6 Mercer)
- Harvard at No. 12 Villanova (Winner at No. 5 Lehigh)
- North Dakota at No. 13 Tennessee Tech (Winner at No. 4 Tarleton State)
- New Hampshire at No. 14 South Dakota State (Winner at No. 3 Montana)
- Yale at No. 15 Youngstown State (Winner at No. 2 Montana State)
- Illinois State at No. 16 Southeastern Louisiana (Winner at No. 1 North Dakota State)
Key Matchups to Watch
Some first-round pairings really jump off the page. Central Connecticut State versus Rhode Island could be a nail-biter, and whoever survives gets a shot at UC Davis, who just loves to light up the scoreboard.
Harvard facing Villanova is another one to keep an eye on. Both have rich traditions, and the winner heads to Lehigh—arguably one of the more intimidating teams this year.
Top Seeds and Their Paths to the Championship
The top four seeds have pretty much steamrolled their way here. They’re expected to go deep, but you never know—playoffs have a way of humbling favorites.
No. 1 North Dakota State
North Dakota State, what can you say? They’ve basically set the FCS standard. Their first matchup will be against whoever wins between Illinois State and Southeastern Louisiana.
The Bison’s defense is stingy, and their offense just keeps moving the chains. If you’re betting, it’s hard not to lean their way.
No. 2 Montana State
Montana State grabbed the No. 2 spot after a season full of highlight-reel moments. They’ll meet the winner of Yale and Youngstown State.
The Bobcats can score in bunches, and their defense isn’t exactly a pushover either. They’re a tough out for anyone.
No. 3 Montana
Montana has been steady all year, locking up the No. 3 seed. They’ll be waiting for either New Hampshire or South Dakota State.
The Grizzlies know how to control the tempo, and that’s going to matter as things get tighter.
No. 4 Tarleton State
Tarleton State rounds out the top four. Their first test is against whoever wins between North Dakota and Tennessee Tech.
The Texans just love to run up the score. If you’re into shootouts, keep an eye on them.
Teams to Watch
Sure, the top seeds are the favorites, but there are a few lower seeds that could turn things upside down.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island at No. 9 has enough talent and grit to surprise people. Their opener against Central Connecticut State should tell us a lot about their ceiling.
Villanova
Villanova’s sitting at No. 12, but don’t count them out. They’ve pulled off playoff runs before, and Harvard won’t be an easy out, but it’s a winnable game.
South Dakota
South Dakota, the No. 11 seed, has quietly put together a solid season. Their first-round clash with Drake is a real test, with Mercer waiting in the next round if they get through.
The 2025 FCS playoffs are shaping up to be a wild ride. Every game matters, and you can just feel the tension building already.
Top seeds are hungry to prove they deserve their spot. Meanwhile, a few underdogs seem ready to shake things up and maybe surprise us all.
This year’s bracket? It’s packed with storylines that’ll keep fans guessing. If you want to keep up, the official bracket has the latest scores and updates.
Honestly, it’s hard not to get swept up in the energy. We’ll be following along and sharing more coverage as the road to the championship unfolds.
