FCS playoff bracket: Full list of selections, schedule and seeds for 2024 college football playoffs
The FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) playoffs are set to bring exciting football action during Thanksgiving weekend, with the first round starting on Saturday, Nov. 30. These playoffs consist of 24 teams, marking the fourth consecutive year of this format. The top eight seeds earn first-round byes, while the other 16 teams will compete at home venues until the championship game.
The reigning champions, South Dakota State, are back in contention after a stellar season last year. They dominated Albany 59-0 in the semifinals and defeated Montana convincingly in the championship to claim the title. However, this season has been more challenging for the Jackrabbits, who suffered losses to Oklahoma State and rival North Dakota State. The latter has been strong, with only one defeat to Colorado.
As the FCS playoffs kick off, fans can expect intense matchups, considering last season featured four games that went into overtime. The road to the championship ends at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, where the final will be held on Monday, Jan. 6.
Here’s a complete look at the 2024 FCS playoff bracket, including the schedule and how to watch the games.
MORE:Watch the FCS playoff selection show live with Fubo (free trial)
FCS playoff bracket 2024
First-round games
- UT Martin vs. No. 16 New Hampshire
- Northern Arizona vs. No. 15 Abilene Christian
- Tennessee State vs. No. 14 Montana
- Drake vs. No. 13 Tarleton State
- No. 12 Illinois State vs. SE Missouri State*
- Eastern Kentucky vs. No. 11 Villanova
- Central Connecticut vs. No. 10 Rhode Island
- Lehigh vs. No. 9 Richmond
No. 12 Illinois State will play on the road as a higher seed due to hosting Illinois State High School Championship games at its home stadium.
Second-round games
- UT Martin/No. 16 New Hampshire vs. No. 1 Montana State
- Northern Arizona/No. 15 Abilene Christian vs. No. 2 North Dakota State
- Tennessee State/No. 14 Montana vs. No. 3 South Dakota State
- Drake/No. 13 Tarleton State vs. No. 4 South Dakota
- No. 12 Illinois State/SE Missouri State vs. No. 5 UC Davis
- Eastern Kentucky/No. 11 Villanova vs. No. 6 Incarnate Word
- Central Connecticut/No. 10 Rhode Island vs. No. 7 Mercer
- Lehigh/No. 9 Richmond vs. No. 8 Idaho
How to watch 2024 FCS playoff selection show
The FCS playoff selection show will air on ESPN at 12:30 p.m. ET on Sunday. Viewers can stream the show onESPN+or withFubo, which offers a free trial.
FCS playoff schedule 2024
First round
Saturday, Nov. 30
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| No. 12 Illinois State vs. SE Missouri State | 12 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Central Connecticut vs. No. 10 Rhode Island | 12 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| UT Martin vs. No. 16 New Hampshire | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Lehigh vs. No. 9 Richmond | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Eastern Kentucky vs. No. 11 Villanova | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Drake vs. No. 13 Tarleton State | 3 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Northern Arizona vs. No. 15 Abilene Christian | 3 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Tennessee State vs. No. 14 Montana | 10:15 p.m. | ESPN2,ESPN+ |
Second round
Saturday, Dec. 7
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD vs. No. 1 Montana State | 3 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 2 North Dakota | TBD | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 3 South Dakota State | 3 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 4 South Dakota | TBD | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 5 UC Davis | 4 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 6 Incarnate Word | TBD | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 7 Mercer | TBD | ESPN+ |
| TBD vs. No. 8 idaho | 9 p.m. | ESPN+ |
Quarterfinals
Friday, Dec. 13
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD | 9 p.m. | ESPN |
Saturday, Dec. 14
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD | 12 p.m. | ESPN |
| TBD | 12:05 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| TBD | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
Semifinals
Saturday, Dec. 21
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| TBD | 12 p.m. | ABC |
| TBD | 3:30 p.m. | ABC |
National championship
Sunday, Jan. 5
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Semifinal winners | 7 p.m. | ESPN |