The excitement is palpable as the 2024 FCS playoffs are set to kick off with an exhilarating eight-game first-round slate on Saturday, Nov. 30. This marks the beginning of a thrilling five-week journey culminating in the FCS Championship Game, which will take place in Frisco, Texas, on Jan. 6. Fans are gearing up for a showcase of talent and determination as teams vie for the coveted title.
First-round matchups and new contenders
Among the 16 teams competing in the first round, there are some fresh faces making their playoff debuts. Notably, No. 13 Tarleton State and No. 15 Abilene Christian are both entering the FCS playoffs for the first time in their program histories. Additionally, Tenth-seeded Rhode Island is returning to the postseason dance for the first time since 1985, adding to the excitement of this year’s tournament.
FCS playoffs schedule, scores 2024
As the playoffs unfold, here’s a look at the schedule and scores for each round:
Championship
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Mon., Jan. 6 | Semifinal winners | 7 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
Semifinals
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | No. 2 North Dakota St. vs. No. 3 South Dakota St. | 12 p.m. | ABC, Fubo |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | No. 1 Montana State vs. No. 4 South Dakota | 3:30 p.m. | ABC, Fubo |
Quarterfinals
| Date | Scores |
| Fri., Dec. 13 | No. 1 Montana State 52, No. 8 Idaho 19 |
| Sat., Dec. 14 | No. 3 South Dakota State 55, No. 6 UIW 14 |
| Sat., Dec. 14 | No. 2 North Dakota State 31, No. 7 Mercer 7 |
| Sat., Dec. 14 | No. 4 South Dakota 35, No. 5 UC Davis 21 |
Second Round – Sat., Dec. 7
| Scores |
| No. 3 South Dakota State 35, Montana 18 |
| No. 6 Incarnate Word 13, No. 11 Villanova 6 |
| No. 7 Mercer 17, No. 10 Rhode Island 10 |
| No. 1 Montana State 49, UT-Martin 17 |
| No. 2 North Dakota State 51, Abilene Christian 31 |
| No. 4 South Dakota 42, Tarleton State 31 |
| No. 5 UC Davis 42, Illinois State 10 |
| No. 8 Idaho 34, Lehigh 13 |
First Round – Sat., Nov. 30
| Scores |
| No. 12 Illinois State 35, Southeast Missouri State 27 |
| No. 10 Rhode Island 21, Central Connecticut State 17 |
| UT Martin 41, No. 16 New Hampshire 10 |
| Lehigh 20, No. 9 Richmond 6 |
| No. 11 Villanova 22, Eastern Kentucky 17 |
| No. 15 Abilene Christian 24, Northern Arizona 0 |
| No. 13 Tarleton State 43, Drake 29 |
| No. 14 Montana 41, Tennessee State 27 |
How to watch FCS playoffs 2024
For fans eager to catch all the action, there are plenty of options to tune in. The FCS Championship Game will be broadcast live on ESPN, while the semifinals will be available on ABC.
For those who prefer streaming, Fubo offers a fantastic option to catch every game live. You can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99, which is a $30 savings! With Fubo, you can stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and over 200 top channels of live TV and sports without the hassle of cable.
Additionally, first- and second-round games can be streamed on ESPN+. For a limited time, you can enjoy 12 months of ESPN+ for the price of 9 with an annual plan purchase. This is a great way to keep up with your favorite teams and enjoy a plethora of sports content.
FCS playoffs bracket 2024
The anticipation is building as the bracket for the 2024 FCS playoffs has been revealed. The excitement surrounding the matchups is palpable, and fans are eager to see how their teams will fare in this competitive landscape.
FCS champions list
As we look forward to this year’s playoffs, it’s worth reflecting on the recent champions of the FCS. The last ten winners are as follows:
| Year | Winner | Runner-up |
| 2023 | South Dakota State | Montana |
| 2022 | South Dakota State | North Dakota State |
| 2021 | North Dakota State | Montana State |
| 2020 | Sam Houston | South Dakota State |
| 2019 | North Dakota State | James Madison |
| 2018 | North Dakota State | Eastern Washington |
| 2017 | North Dakota State | James Madison |
| 2016 | James Madison | Youngstown State |
| 2015 | North Dakota State | Jacksonville State |
| 2014 | North Dakota State | Illinois State |
As the playoffs approach, the excitement and anticipation are building. Who will rise to the occasion this year? Fans are ready to find out!
