The 24-team FCS playoff bracket is here and it’s exactly what everyone expected. North Dakota State claimed the No. 1 overall seed on Sunday, Nov. 23. The defending national champions finished the regular season 12-0 and undefeated. They’re the favorites to take it all again.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- North Dakota State is the No. 1 seed with a 12-0 record and 16 consecutive wins.
- Six MVFC teams made the playoff field, tying a conference record.
- The top eight seeds receive first-round byes in the 24-team bracket.
- First-round games tip off on Saturday, Nov. 29.
- The national championship game will be held in Nashville.
The Complete Top Eight Seeds
No question about it: North Dakota State earned the top spot. The Missouri Valley Football Conference champions rolled through the regular season undefeated. They’re back as defending national champions. Now they’ve got momentum heading into playoff season.
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Montana State grabbed the No. 2 seed with a 10-2 record. The Big Sky Conference champions are making their fifth straight appearance. Montana came in as the No. 3 seed at 11-1. Both Montana schools look dangerous.
Tarleton State secured the No. 4 seed as an 11-1 team. Lehigh rounds out the top five with a 12-0 record as the No. 5 seed. All four of these teams earned first-round byes.
| Seed | Team | Record | Conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota State | 12-0 | MVFC |
| 2 | Montana State | 10-2 | Big Sky |
| 3 | Montana | 11-1 | Big Sky |
| 4 | Tarleton State | 11-1 | WAC |
| 5 | Lehigh | 12-0 | Patriot |
| 6 | Mercer | 9-2 | Southern |
| 7 | Merrimack | 9-2 | NEC |
| 8 | Rhode Island | 8-3 | CAA |
These eight teams won’t play until the second round. They get the luxury of watching others battle it out first. It’s a huge advantage in this tournament format.
What Makes North Dakota State Different
The Bison entered the playoffs as defending champions from the 2024 national championship game. They beat Montana State in that final. That experience matters. They know what it takes to win every single game.
Their undefeated season is built on serious defense. And their quarterback Cole Payton has been exceptional. They outscored St. Thomas-Minnesota 62-7 in their regular season finale. That’s domination. That’s the kind of form you want heading into the playoffs.
Plus, NDSU has the momentum of 16 straight wins. They haven’t lost since last season ended. Teams want to play their best ball in November and December. The Bison are doing exactly that.
The Conference Representation
Here’s something special: the Missouri Valley Football Conference has six teams in this field. That ties a conference record for playoff representation. The MVFC is one of the strongest conferences in FCS football. And they’re proving it.
Beyond NDSU, you’ve got other MVFC programs competing hard too. This conference battle would be intense if they faced each other. But for now, they’ll go their separate ways through the bracket.
The selection committee sent a clear message: depth matters. Winning your conference matters. Playing tough schedules matters. And the MVFC showed they do all three.
What to Watch For
- Can North Dakota State repeat as national champions with an undefeated playoff run?
- Will Montana State or Montana upset the bracket favorites?
- Can Lehigh‘s 12-0 record carry them deep into the playoffs?
- Do any Group of Five or Independent teams shock the seeded favorites?
- Which No. 9-16 seeds pull off the biggest first-round upsets?
When Does the Action Start?
First-round games begin on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. That’s just days away. The top eight seeds will have a bye week to rest up. Then the tournament ramps up quick.
The national championship game will take place in Nashville later this season. For now, the bracket is set. The top seed is locked. And everyone else is chasing North Dakota State.
What’s your prediction for this FCS playoff run?
Sources
- ESPN – FCS playoff bracket and seed information
- NCAA.com – Official FCS tournament details and team records
- Sports Illustrated – Playoff seeds and conference representation
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.