How Many Teams in NCAA Football? 2025 Breakdown

By Sarah Miller · February 7, 2037

There are currently 134 teams in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the highest level of college football, as of the 2025 season. Additionally, NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) includes 128 teams, while Division II and Division III feature 174 and 253 teams respectively, bringing the total number of NCAA football teams to over 700 across all divisions.

Understanding NCAA Football Structure

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) organizes college football into three main divisions: Division I, Division II, and Division III. Within Division I, football is further split into two subdivisions: the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Each division and subdivision has its own structure, championship format, scholarship rules, and team count.

Key Differences Between NCAA Football Divisions

FBS: The top tier of college football, featuring major conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC. Teams compete in bowl games, with a four-team playoff determining the national champion.
FCS: Features a 24-team playoff tournament to determine the national champion. Offers fewer athletic scholarships than FBS.

Division II:

Division III: Does not offer athletic scholarships. Emphasizes student-athlete experience with a 32-team playoff for football.

NCAA Football Team Counts by Division

The total number of teams varies significantly across divisions due to differing school sizes, funding, and athletic priorities. Below is a detailed breakdown of current team counts as of the 2025 season.

NCAA Division	Subdivision	Number of Teams	Championship Format	Scholarship Limit
Division I	FBS	134	College Football Playoff (4 teams)	85 full scholarships
Division I	FCS	128	24-team playoff	63 equivalency scholarships
Division II	-	174	28-team playoff	36 equivalency scholarships
Division III	-	253	32-team playoff	No athletic scholarships

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that Division III has the highest number of teams, reflecting its broad accessibility and focus on participation over elite competition. Meanwhile, FBS maintains a smaller, more selective group of programs with higher visibility and resources. The steady growth in FBS membership, including recent additions like UC San Diego and Missouri State, highlights ongoing realignment trends in college sports.

Recent Changes and Conference Realignment

Conference realignment continues to reshape the NCAA football landscape. As schools move between conferences and divisions, the total number of teams fluctuates slightly each year. For example, in 2024, the Sun Belt Conference added new members, while the Pac-12 saw several schools depart for the Big Ten and Big 12.

Notable Trends in NCAA Football Expansion

Increased media rights revenue driving conference consolidation
Movement of schools from FCS to FBS, such as Jacksonville State and Sam Houston State
New FBS conferences forming or expanding, including the American Athletic Conference (AAC)
Growth of autonomous power conferences (SEC, Big Ten, etc.) to 16+ members

Frequently Asked Questions About NCAA Football Teams

How many FBS teams are there in NCAA football?

As of the 2025 season, there are 134 teams competing in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the highest level of college football.

What is the difference between FBS and FCS in college football?

The FBS uses a bowl system and a four-team playoff to determine its champion, offers 85 full scholarships, and typically features larger schools with higher attendance. The FCS holds a 24-team playoff and allows 63 equivalency scholarships, emphasizing competitive balance and regional matchups.

Which division has the most NCAA football teams?

Division III has the most NCAA football teams, with 253 programs as of 2025. It emphasizes academic integration and does not offer athletic scholarships, making it accessible to a wide range of institutions.

Are there any independent teams in NCAA football?

Yes, some FBS teams compete as independents, meaning they are not part of a conference. Notable examples include Notre Dame, Army, and UConn. These teams must meet scheduling requirements but retain flexibility in non-conference play.

How often does the number of NCAA football teams change?

The number of NCAA football teams changes annually due to reclassifications, new programs launching, or schools moving between divisions. For instance, several FCS teams have transitioned to FBS in recent years, affecting overall counts.