A helping of playoff football is coming your way on Thanksgiving weekend! While the College Football Playoff doesn’t kick off until late December, and the NFL playoffs won’t start until January, there’s still plenty of excitement ahead. FCS football has proven time and again to be an exhilarating spectacle, and this season promises to be no different.
Last season, the FCS playoffs delivered some unforgettable moments, including four thrilling overtime games. This year, the competition is set to heat up on Saturday, Nov. 30, as the first of 23 playoff games begins. Fans can expect nail-biting action as teams battle it out for the ultimate prize.
FCS playoff format and schedule
The FCS playoffs will feature 24 teams for the fourth consecutive year, which is a testament to the growing popularity of this division. The top eight seeds receive first-round byes, allowing them to rest up and prepare for their next challenge. The remaining 16 teams will clash in the first round, with all games hosted at the home stadiums until the FCS National Championship. This championship game is set to take place at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on Monday, Jan. 6.
But who will rise to the occasion? Last season, South Dakota State was the star of the show, cruising to a stunning 59-0 semifinal victory over Albany before dominating Montana in the national championship game. The Jackrabbits held the Grizzlies to just three points, showcasing their defensive prowess. However, this season has brought challenges, including a loss to Big 12’s Oklahoma State and a setback against their fierce rival, North Dakota State. North Dakota State’s only loss came in a tightly contested match against Colorado, adding to the intrigue of this year’s playoffs.
How to watch the 2024 FCS playoff selection show
Mark your calendars! The FCS playoff selection show will air on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 12:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU. Fans can also catch the live stream on ESPN+ or Fubo, which offers a free trial. This is your chance to see which teams will make the cut and how the bracket will shape up for the playoffs.
FCS playoff bracket 2024
As we look ahead to the first round of games, here’s a complete breakdown:
First-round games
- UT Martin vs. No. 16 New Hampshire
- Northern Arizona vs. No. 15 Abilene Christian
- Tennessee State vs. No. 14 Montana
- Drake vs. No. 13 Tarleton State
- No. 12 Illinois State vs. SE Missouri State*
- Eastern Kentucky vs. No. 11 Villanova
- Central Connecticut vs. No. 10 Rhode Island
- Lehigh vs. No. 9 Richmond
Notably, No. 12 Illinois State will play on the road as a higher seed due to hosting Illinois State High School Championship games at its home stadium. This adds another layer of excitement as teams navigate unique circumstances.
Second-round games
- UT Martin/No. 16 New Hampshire vs. No. 1 Montana State
- Northern Arizona/No. 15 Abilene Christian vs. No. 2 North Dakota State
- Tennessee State/No. 14 Montana vs. No. 3 South Dakota State
- Drake/No. 13 Tarleton State vs. No. 4 South Dakota
- No. 12 Illinois State/SE Missouri State vs. No. 5 UC Davis
- Eastern Kentucky/No. 11 Villanova vs. No. 6 Incarnate Word
- Central Connecticut/No. 10 Rhode Island vs. No. 7 Mercer
- Lehigh/No. 9 Richmond vs. No. 8 Idaho
The stakes are high, and every game will be a battle for survival.
FCS playoff schedule 2024
As the excitement builds, here’s a look at the playoff schedule:
First round
Saturday, Nov. 30
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| No. 12 Illinois State vs. SE Missouri State | 12 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Central Connecticut vs. No. 10 Rhode Island | 12 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| UT Martin vs. No. 16 New Hampshire | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Lehigh vs. No. 9 Richmond | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Eastern Kentucky vs. No. 11 Villanova | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Drake vs. No. 13 Tarleton State | 3 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Northern Arizona vs. No. 15 Abilene Christian | 3 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Tennessee State vs. No. 14 Montana | 10:15 p.m. | ESPN2, ESPN+ |
Second round
Saturday, Dec. 7
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD vs. No. 1 Montana State | 3 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 2 North Dakota | TBD | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 3 South Dakota State | 3 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 4 South Dakota | TBD | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 5 UC Davis | 4 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 6 Incarnate Word | TBD | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 7 Mercer | TBD | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 8 Idaho | 9 p.m. | ESPN+ |
Quarterfinals
Friday, Dec. 13
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD | 9 p.m. | ESPN |
Saturday, Dec. 14
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD | 12 p.m. | ESPN |
| TBD | 12:05 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| TBD | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
Semifinals
Saturday, Dec. 21
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD | 12 p.m. | ABC |
| TBD | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
National championship
Sunday, Jan. 5
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Semifinal winners | 7 p.m. | ESPN |
With the FCS playoffs just around the corner, anticipation is building. Who will emerge victorious, and who will take home the championship trophy? Get ready for an exciting month of football that will keep fans on the edge of their seats!
