What Does FBS Mean in College Football?

By Sarah Miller · October 26, 2047

FBS stands for the Football Bowl Subdivision, the highest level of NCAA college football in the United States. Teams in this division compete for spots in major bowl games and the College Football Playoff, featuring the largest schools with the most resources, strict scholarship limits (85), and rigorous scheduling requirements.

What Is the FBS in College Football?

The Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) is the top competitive tier of NCAA Division I football. Formerly known as Division I-A, the FBS was reclassified in 2006 to distinguish it from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). It includes over 130 teams across ten primary athletic conferences and independent programs like Notre Dame.

Key Characteristics of FBS Teams

Must average at least 15,000 home attendance over a rolling five-year period (with exceptions).
Sponsor at least 16 varsity sports teams.
Offer 85 full scholarships for football players.
Play a minimum of 12 regular-season games, including at least six against FBS opponents.
Eligible for bowl games and the College Football Playoff.

How Does FBS Differ From FCS?

The primary distinction between FBS and FCS lies in competition level, funding, postseason structure, and scholarship offerings.

Comparison Table: FBS vs FCS

Feature	FBS	FCS
Full Scholarships	85	63
Postseason Format	Bowl Games & CFP	Single-Elimination NCAA Tournament
Average Team Size	~100+ players	~90 players
Attendance Requirement	15,000 (5-year avg)	None
Number of Teams (2024)	133	128

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that while FBS and FCS have similar numbers of teams, FBS institutions invest significantly more in football through scholarships and infrastructure. The attendance requirement ensures larger fan engagement, contributing to higher revenues and national exposure.

Major FBS Conferences and Their Impact

The FBS landscape is dominated by Power Five conferences, which hold greater influence in rankings, revenue distribution, and playoff access.

Power Five Conferences

SEC (Southeastern Conference): Known for physical play and consistent national title contention.
Big Ten: Combines academic prestige with strong football traditions.
ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference): Home to high-scoring offenses and elite quarterbacks.
Pac-12 (now transitioning): Historically dominant on the West Coast.
Big 12: Recognized for fast-paced, offensive-driven football.

Group of Five Conferences

American Athletic Conference (AAC)
Conference USA (C-USA)
Mid-American Conference (MAC)
Mountain West Conference
Sun Belt Conference

While Group of Five teams receive less media coverage and fewer financial benefits, standout programs like Tulane, Liberty, and Boise State regularly compete in New Year’s Six bowls.

Path to the College Football Playoff

Starting in the 2024 season, the College Football Playoff expands from four to twelve teams. Selection is based on final rankings determined by a 13-member committee.

CFP Eligibility Criteria for FBS Teams

Only FBS teams are eligible.
Champions of the Power Five and highest-ranked Group of Five champion receive automatic bids.
Remaining spots filled by top-ranked at-large teams.
Independents like Notre Dame can qualify if ranked in the top 12.

Frequently Asked Questions About FBS in College Football

What does FBS stand for in college football?

FBS stands for Football Bowl Subdivision, the highest level of NCAA college football competition in the United States.

How many FBS football teams are there in 2025?

As of the 2024 season, there are 133 FBS teams. This number may slightly change due to conference realignment and reclassification.

Can FCS teams play against FBS teams?

Yes, FCS teams frequently schedule games against FBS opponents, often as visiting teams for guaranteed payouts, though they must count the game toward their championship eligibility.

Why do some schools want to move up to FBS?

Schools transition to FBS for increased national exposure, larger television contracts, enhanced recruiting opportunities, and greater alumni engagement and funding.

What is the difference between FBS and Division I football?

Division I football includes both FBS and FCS. FBS is the higher subdivision with more scholarships, stricter requirements, and access to bowl games, while FCS uses a playoff system to determine its national champion.