How Many FCS Football Teams Are There? (2025 List)

By Sarah Miller · March 2, 2047

As of the 2025 season, there are 133 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) football teams competing in NCAA Division I. These teams are spread across 14 conferences and represent a mix of public and private institutions from across the United States.

Understanding FCS Football: Structure and Overview

The Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) is the second-highest level of college football in the U.S., just below the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Unlike the FBS, which uses a bowl system to conclude its season, the FCS determines its national champion through a 24-team playoff tournament sanctioned by the NCAA.

Key Characteristics of FCS Football

Maximum of 63 athletic scholarships allowed per team
Regular season typically consists of 11–12 games
Postseason features a 24-team single-elimination playoff
Teams must meet minimum attendance requirements (15,000 average or $100,000 in gross revenue)
Autonomous conference scheduling with regional emphasis

FCS Conferences and Team Distribution

FCS teams are organized into 14 distinct athletic conferences, each with unique geographic footprints and competitive profiles. Some conferences sponsor football only, while others are multi-sport leagues. A few independent programs also compete at the FCS level.

Major FCS Conferences

Big Sky Conference
Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Football
Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC)
Southland Conference
Ivy League
Ohio Valley Conference (OVC)
Pioneer Football League
Southern Conference (SoCon)
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)
Northeast Conference (NEC)
Patriot League
Big South-OVC Football Association (merged league)
Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN)
Western Athletic Conference (WAC)

Detailed Breakdown of FCS Teams by Conference (2025 Season)

Conference	Number of Teams	Notable Programs	First Season
Big Sky Conference	13	Montana, Sacramento State, UC Davis	1963
CAA Football	15	Delaware, Villanova, Richmond	2007
Missouri Valley Football Conference	10	North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Southern Illinois	1985
Southland Conference	9	Lamar, McNeese, Southeastern Louisiana	1963
Ivy League	8	Harvard, Yale, Penn	1956
Ohio Valley Conference	7	Tennessee State, UT Martin	1948
Pioneer Football League	11	Dayton, San Diego, Davidson	1993
Southern Conference	10	Samford, Furman, Chattanooga	1921
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference	6	Howard, North Carolina Central	1972
Northeast Conference	7	Central Connecticut, Duquesne	1996
Patriot League	10	Lehigh, Lafayette, Holy Cross	1986
Big South-OVC Football Association	11	Gardner-Webb, Eastern Kentucky	2023
ASUN Conference	6	Florida A&M, Central Arkansas	2021
Western Athletic Conference	6	Tarleton State, Southern Utah	2021
Independent	1	Hampton University	-
Total	133	-	-

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table shows that CAA Football is currently the largest FCS conference with 15 teams, followed closely by the Big Sky and Big South-OVC alliance. The merger between the Big South and OVC has stabilized membership numbers after several years of realignment. Independent programs like Hampton maintain FCS status while seeking full conference affiliation.

Growth and Realignment Trends in FCS Football

The FCS landscape has evolved significantly over the past decade due to conference realignment. Several schools have moved up from Division II, while others have transitioned from FBS to FCS for financial and competitive reasons. Recent examples include Jacksonville State and Sam Houston, which moved to FBS in 2023, slightly reducing the total FCS count.

Factors Influencing FCS Expansion

Cost efficiency compared to FBS programs
Regional scheduling advantages
Playoff access and national exposure
Institutional fit for mid-sized universities
Stable revenue models with lower overhead

Common Questions About FCS Football Teams

How many teams make the FCS playoffs?

Twenty-four teams qualify for the FCS playoffs each season. The top eight seeds receive first-round byes. The remaining 16 teams play in the opening round, leading to a 16-team bracket in the second round. The tournament concludes with the National Championship game in January.

What's the difference between FBS and FCS football?

The main differences lie in scholarship limits, postseason structure, and program size. FBS allows 85 full scholarships, uses a bowl system, and generally features larger schools. FCS permits 63 scholarships, hosts a 24-team playoff, and emphasizes competitive balance among mid-major programs.

Which FCS conference is the strongest?

The Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) is widely regarded as the strongest FCS conference. It has consistently produced national champions, including multiple titles won by North Dakota State. The MVFC regularly earns high seed placements in the FCS playoffs and dominates strength-of-schedule metrics.

Can FCS teams play against FBS teams?

Yes, FCS teams frequently schedule games against FBS opponents. These matchups often occur early in the season and serve as lucrative “guarantee games” for FCS schools. An FCS team can earn an automatic qualifier (AQ) spot in the playoffs by defeating an FBS team that meets NCAA attendance and revenue thresholds.

Has an FCS team ever beaten an FBS team?

Yes, several FCS teams have defeated FBS opponents, especially in season openers. Notable examples include Appalachian State’s 2007 win over Michigan and James Madison’s 2010 victory against Virginia Tech. Such upsets are rare but demonstrate the competitive potential of top-tier FCS programs.

Conclusion

As of 2025, the FCS football landscape includes 133 teams organized across 14 conferences and one independent institution. This subdivision offers a competitive, cost-effective model of college football with a structured playoff system and growing national visibility. With ongoing realignment and strategic expansion, the FCS remains a vital and dynamic tier within NCAA Division I football.