As the excitement builds for the 2025 FCS playoffs, set to kick off soon, 11 automatic bids remain up for grabs among the competing teams. This year’s playoffs will feature 10 teams that automatically qualify through their respective conference affiliations, alongside an additional 13 squads that receive at-large bids as determined by the FCS Playoff Committee. Fans can expect the complete 24-team bracket to be unveiled on Sunday, November 23, with the national championship slated for January 5, 2025, in Frisco, Texas.
The automatic bids are a critical component of the playoff process, highlighting the achievements of various teams throughout the season. Currently, the following teams have clinched their conference’s automatic bids:
– **Missouri Valley Football Conference**: North Dakota State secured the auto-bid in Week 11 after a hard-fought match against North Dakota, winning 15-10.
– **Southern Conference (SoCon)**: Mercer earned their auto-bid by edging out Western Carolina, finishing the game with a thrilling 49-47 score.
As we approach Week 12, additional teams will have opportunities to clinch their respective automatic bids. For example, in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), Rhode Island can secure their spot if they defeat Maine while both Villanova and Monmouth lose their games. Meanwhile, in the Ivy League, Harvard has a chance to claim the auto-bid by winning against Penn, provided Yale also loses to Princeton.
The Northeast Conference (NEC) could see Central Connecticut State clinch their auto-bid if they get the better of Duquesne, while Tennessee Tech is in the hunt for the OVC-Big South auto-bid, contingent on a loss by UT Martin to Charleston Southern. Additionally, Stephen F. Austin is vying for the Southland auto-bid, needing a victory against Lamar along with a loss for Southeastern Louisiana against UIW.
In the ASUN-WAC (UAC), Abilene Christian can lock in their bid by beating Eastern Kentucky and hoping for losses from Tarleton State and Southern Utah. In the SWAC East and West divisions, Jackson State and Prairie View A&M, respectively, also have pathways to clinch their conference titles in the upcoming week.
As the playoffs approach, the competition remains fierce, fueling anticipation among fans and players alike. This season showcases the unpredictable nature of college football, with every game holding the potential to surprise and shape the playoff landscape. Whether through established powerhouses or emerging teams, the journey to the FCS championship is gearing up to be both thrilling and full of surprises.