How Many FBS Football Teams Are There? 2025 Update

By Sarah Miller · January 29, 2039

As of the 2025 college football season, there are 133 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams across 11 conferences and independent programs. This number reflects recent conference realignments and team transitions from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

Understanding the FBS Landscape

The Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) is the highest level of competition in NCAA Division I college football. It features the most prominent programs, largest stadiums, and biggest television contracts. The number of FBS teams has evolved due to conference expansion, reorganization, and schools moving up from the FCS.

What Defines an FBS Team?

Must play a minimum of 60% of their schedule against FBS opponents
Must average at least 15,000 in home attendance (with some waivers allowed)
Must sponsor at least 16 varsity sports
Competes for spots in bowl games or the College Football Playoff

FBS Conferences and Team Distribution

The 133 FBS teams are organized into 11 athletic conferences and include one independent program. Conference membership impacts scheduling, revenue sharing, and access to postseason opportunities.

Current FBS Conferences (2025 Season)

American Athletic Conference (AAC)
Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
Big 12 Conference
Big Ten Conference
Pacific-12 Conference (Pac-12)
Conference USA (C-USA)
Mid-American Conference (MAC)
Mountain West Conference (MWC)
Sun Belt Conference
Southeastern Conference (SEC)
Independent Teams

Conference	Number of Teams	Notable Additions (2024–2025)	Headquarters
American Athletic Conference	14	Army (joining 2024)	Irvine, CA
Atlantic Coast Conference	17	California, Stanford, SMU (joining 2024)	Charlotte, NC
Big 12 Conference	16	BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, UCF (joined 2023)	Irving, TX
Big Ten Conference	18	Oregon, UCLA, USC, Washington (joining 2024)	Rosemont, IL
Pac-12 Conference	2	Washington State, Oregon State (remaining core)	San Francisco, CA
Conference USA	10	None	Dallas, TX
Mid-American Conference	12	None	Cleveland, OH
Mountain West Conference	12	Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, San Diego State, Utah State, Wyoming remaining	Colorado Springs, CO
Sun Belt Conference	14	James Madison (moved up from FCS in 2022)	New Orleans, LA
Southeastern Conference	16	Tennessee, Texas (joining 2024)	Birmingham, AL
Independents	1	Notre Dame (bowl eligibility only; no conference tie-ins)	—
Total	133	—	—

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table illustrates significant shifts in the FBS landscape, particularly with the Pac-12 shrinking to two members while the Big Ten and ACC expand westward. Army's move to the AAC marks a rare service academy transition into a non-independent grouping. Notre Dame remains the sole full FBS independent, maintaining its historic bowl access agreement.

Recent Changes Impacting FBS Membership

The 2023–2025 period has seen unprecedented realignment. The collapse of the Pac-12 as a major power conference reshaped national scheduling and playoff access. Meanwhile, the addition of high-profile programs like Texas and Oklahoma to the SEC, and USC and UCLA to the Big Ten, has concentrated power among a few elite leagues.

Key Transitions (2022–2025)

James Madison moved from FCS to FBS in 2022 and became bowl eligible in 2023
UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston joined the Big 12 in 2023
BYU completed its transition to the Big 12 in 2023
SMU joined the ACC in 2024 alongside Stanford and California
Oregon, Washington, UCLA, and USC will join the Big Ten in 2024
Texas and Oklahoma will join the SEC in 2025

Future Outlook for FBS Expansion

While the current count stands at 133, future expansion is possible. Schools such as UConn (independent), UMass (independent), and potential FCS candidates like Jacksonville State or Sam Houston may pursue full FBS status. However, NCAA requirements and financial hurdles limit rapid growth.

About FBS Football: Common Questions

How many FBS football teams are there in 2025?

There are 133 FBS football teams competing in the 2025 season, including 132 conference-affiliated teams and one independent (Notre Dame).

Why did the Pac-12 shrink so dramatically?

The Pac-12 lost ten of its twelve members to the Big Ten and Big 12 between 2022 and 2025 due to media rights disparities and lack of a long-term TV deal. Only Oregon State and Washington State remain, forming a legal entity to preserve the conference brand.

Is Notre Dame an FBS team?

Yes, Notre Dame is an FBS team and competes as an independent. It maintains special agreements for bowl eligibility and limited ACC scheduling but does not participate in a conference championship.

What’s the difference between FBS and FCS?

FBS is the top tier of NCAA football with larger budgets, more scholarships (85 vs. 63), and access to bowl games and the College Football Playoff. FCS holds a playoff tournament for its national title and generally features smaller schools.

Can new teams join the FBS?

Yes, schools can transition from FCS to FBS, but they must meet NCAA requirements, including scheduling, attendance, and sport sponsorship. The process typically takes several years and includes a provisional period.

Which conference has the most FBS teams in 2025?

In 2025, the Big Ten Conference will have the most FBS teams with 18, followed by the ACC with 17 and the SEC with 16 after their respective expansions.