Ever typed “what is fcs football” and gotten lost in acronyms? You’re not alone. Right now more people in the U.S. are asking that exact question—partly because playoff drama, a few upset wins over FBS teams, and conference shake-ups have pushed the FCS into headlines. If you’re curious about where FCS fits in college football, how its playoffs work, or which teams are must-watch, this article breaks it down in plain terms.
What is FCS football?
The term “what is fcs football” refers to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). It’s the second tier of NCAA Division I college football, separate from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). FCS programs are full Division I members but compete in a different postseason format: a playoff bracket to decide a national champion rather than bowl games and the College Football Playoff system used by the FBS.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting: FCS teams sometimes beat FBS teams, and individual stars from FCS rosters regularly make NFL rosters. So even though it’s often called “lower than FBS,” the level of play is competitive and can be extremely entertaining.
How FCS differs from FBS
People often ask “what is fcs football” because they want to know how it compares to the more visible FBS. Below is a quick comparison to clear up the major differences.
| Feature | FCS | FBS |
|---|---|---|
| Postseason format | Single-elimination playoff bracket (championship) | Bowl games + CFP (poll/committee-selected playoff) |
| Scholarship limits | 63 equivalency scholarships | 85 full scholarships |
| Typical stadium size | Smaller, community-centered venues | Large stadiums, major TV contracts |
| Exposure | Regional TV/streaming, growing national interest | National TV, major media focus |
Quick note on scholarships
FCS programs use equivalency scholarships—schools split packages across more players—while FBS offers more full scholarships. That affects roster depth but not necessarily team quality on game day.
Why is FCS football trending right now?
The spike in searches for “what is fcs football” has a few drivers. First, it’s playoff season for FCS, and single-elimination brackets create compelling storylines (Cinderellas, comeback runs). Second, recent upsets where FCS teams beat ranked FBS opponents grab headlines and social feeds. Third, conference realignment and transfer portal movement have blurred lines, making fans ask where teams belong.
Who’s searching? Mostly U.S. fans who follow college football casually or are new viewers—students, parents, alumni from smaller schools, and bettors/DFS players hunting value. Their emotional drivers are curiosity, excitement, and sometimes surprise: people want to know whether an underdog run is legitimate or just a fluke.
How the FCS season and playoffs work
FCS teams play a regular season (usually 11 games) against conference and non-conference opponents. When the season ends, the FCS uses a 24-team playoff (format can change slightly), with seeded teams receiving first-round byes. The bracket culminates in the NCAA Division I Football Championship.
For official historical context and playoff details, check the NCAA’s summary of FCS history: NCAA FCS playoff history. For an encyclopedic overview, see the FCS Wikipedia entry: NCAA Division I FCS – Wikipedia.
Seeding and selection
A selection committee evaluates teams by record, strength of schedule, and conference champions. Automatic bids go to conference winners; at-large bids fill the remaining slots. That means strong mid-major conferences (like the Missouri Valley or Colonial Athletic Association) regularly send multiple teams.
Notable FCS programs and memorable upsets
When someone asks “what is fcs football,” they often want to know which teams to watch. Programs with consistent success include North Dakota State, James Madison (before moving to FBS), and Montana. North Dakota State, in particular, built a dynasty with multiple championships in the 2010s.
FCS upsets of FBS teams—think of James Madison beating Virginia Tech years ago, or other surprise wins—fuel national interest and bring attention to the players and coaches making those runs. These moments are why scouts and NFL teams pay attention to FCS rosters.
How to watch and follow FCS football
Want to catch games? FCS matchups are increasingly available via regional sports networks and streaming services. Many conferences stream games on their platforms or on services partnered with larger providers. During playoffs, national outlets often pick up marquee matchups.
Practical tips: follow conference social channels, set alerts for playoff brackets, and check streaming schedules early (games may be staggered for TV). Community forums and local sports sites are gold mines for game-day context and player spotlights.
Real-world examples and case studies
Case study: North Dakota State’s multiple championships show how an FCS program can build sustained success with strong recruiting, coaching stability, and community support. Another example: an FCS school scheduling an FBS opponent for a pay-for-play matchup—these games boost budgets and create national exposure when upsets happen.
Case study takeaway: investment in facilities, coaching continuity, and smart scheduling often outperform raw budget in producing wins and fan engagement.
Practical takeaways for fans and newcomers
- Follow a conference to get consistent storylines (e.g., Missouri Valley or CAA).
- Watch playoff brackets—single-elimination makes late-season games must-see TV.
- Check rosters for NFL-caliber talent; FCS produces pros every year.
- If you want a lively fan experience, attend a game—FCS stadiums are intimate and full of local flavor.
Making sense of the debate: is FCS “less” than FBS?
Short answer: it’s different, not necessarily lesser. Scholarship differences and budgets matter, but coaching, scheme, and culture drive performance. As I’ve observed, an FCS team with a veteran quarterback and a stout defense can beat higher-funded FBS teams on any given Saturday.
Next steps if you want to get involved
Want to learn more after asking “what is fcs football”? Start by following one team, subscribe to its newsletter, and watch a playoff game. Attend a rivalry matchup if you can—those atmospheres capture why this subdivision has passionate fans.
Final thoughts
FCS football is a vibrant, competitive slice of college athletics. It has its own rhythms—playoffs, close-knit stadiums, and programs that produce pro talent. If you’re curious because of recent headlines, dig into a playoff game or two. You might find the underdog stories and gritty football more compelling than you expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
FCS football stands for the Football Championship Subdivision, a Division I level that determines its national champion via a playoff bracket, distinct from the FBS bowl system.
Yes. While FBS teams usually have larger budgets and more scholarships, FCS teams occasionally upset FBS opponents—those wins often draw national attention.
FCS uses a multi-round, single-elimination playoff (typically 24 teams), with conference champions getting automatic bids and at-large teams selected by a committee.
FCS games are available on regional networks, conference streaming platforms, and sometimes national broadcasters during playoff rounds; check conference schedules and streaming partners.