The excitement is palpable as the NCAA Division II football playoffs kick off with first-round action on Saturday, Nov. 23. Fans across the nation are gearing up to witness some thrilling matchups as teams battle for a chance at glory. With the stakes high, every game promises to be a showcase of talent, determination, and the sheer love of the game.
Key Teams to Watch
This year’s playoffs feature three undefeated teams: Kutztown, Valdosta State, and Charleston (WV). Each of these teams has fought hard to maintain their perfect record, but only Charleston will be in action this weekend. The other two schools, Kutztown and Valdosta State, have earned first-round byes as No. 1 seeds, allowing them to rest and prepare for their upcoming challenges.
Another powerhouse to keep an eye on is Ferris State, which is on a quest to secure its third championship in the last four seasons. The Bulldogs have proven their mettle by winning the title in both 2021 and 2022, and they are eager to add another trophy to their collection.
Meanwhile, Harding, the reigning champion from 2023, will kick off its journey for back-to-back titles against No. 3 Pittsburg State. The anticipation surrounding this matchup is electric, as Harding looks to prove that their previous success was not a fluke.
How to Watch NCAA D2 Football Playoffs
For fans eager to catch all the action, there are several options available. The championship game will be broadcast on national TV, with ESPN2 providing coverage. Additionally, all first, second, and quarterfinal round games will air live on ESPN+.
To make it even better, for a limited time, you can get 12 months of ESPN+ for the price of 9 with the purchase of an annual plan. This is a fantastic opportunity to stream your favorite teams live and enjoy more sports anywhere with an ESPN+ subscription.
Fans can also stream the 2024 Division II football championship game live with Fubo, which offers a free trial. If you’re looking for a great deal, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $59.99, providing access to ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and over 200 top channels of live TV and sports without the need for cable.
NCAA D2 Football Playoffs Bracket 2024
The initial bracket is set, and the excitement is building. The final four teams will be reseeded after the quarterfinals, ensuring that the best teams are matched up for an epic showdown.
The first-round matchups are as follows:
First Round Matchups
First- and second-round matchups will be hosted by the higher seeds, with four No. 1 seeds earning a first-round bye. Here’s a look at the schedule for Saturday, Nov. 23:
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| No. 4 Miles vs. Carson-Newman | 12 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 4 Augustana (SD) vs. Minnesota State | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 3 California (PA) vs. East Stroudsburg | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 2 Charleston (WV) vs. Ashland | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 2 Grand Valley State vs. UIndy | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 4 Slippery Rock vs. New Haven | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 2 Wingate vs. Virginia Union | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 3 Angelo State vs. Bemidji State | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 4 Central Oklahoma vs. Ouachita Baptist | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 3 Pittsburg State vs. Harding | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 3 West Alabama vs. Lenoir-Rhyne | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 2 Western Colorado vs. Central Washington | 3 p.m. | ESPN+ |
Byes: Kutztown, Valdosta State, Ferris State, CSU Pueblo
D2 Football Playoffs Round-by-Round Schedule 2024
The playoffs will unfold over several weeks, with each round bringing teams one step closer to the coveted championship. Here’s the complete schedule:
| Round | Dates |
|---|---|
| First round | Nov. 23 |
| Second round | Nov. 30 |
| Quarterfinals | Dec. 7 |
| Semifinals | Dec. 14 |
| Final | Dec. 21 |
NCAA D2 Football Champions List
As we gear up for this year’s playoffs, it’s worth looking back at the last decade of champions. The list of the last 10 Division II football champions showcases the fierce competition and the tradition of excellence in this league:
| Year | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Harding | Colorado School of Mines |
| 2022 | Ferris State | Colorado School of Mines |
| 2021 | Ferris State | Valdosta State |
| 2019 | West Florida | Minnesota State |
| 2018 | Valdosta State | Ferris State |
| 2017 | Texas A&M-Commerce | West Florida |
| 2016 | Northwest Missouri State | North Alabama |
| 2015 | Northwest Missouri State | Shepherd |
| 2014 | Colorado State-Pueblo | Minnesota State-Mankato |
| 2013 | Northwest Missouri State | Lenoir-Rhyne |
With the playoffs set to begin, fans are ready to rally behind their teams. Who will rise to the occasion and etch their name into the history books? The journey to the championship is about to unfold, and every game will be a testament to the heart and spirit of college football.
