FCS Playoff Bracket Unveiled as Youngstown State, Villanova Crush Ivy League Foes

The FCS playoff bracket opened with eight first-round games on Saturday. Top-seeded teams Youngstown State and Villanova delivered commanding victories. They both defeated Ivy League opponents making historic postseason debuts.

This marks the first time the Ivy League has participated in the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs. Yale and Harvard earned their spots, bringing new competition to the national stage.

Historic Weekend for Ivy League Football

The Ivy League’s inclusion is a major shift. For decades, the conference did not participate in the FCS postseason. This year, the league champion received an automatic bid for the first time.

Yale won the conference title to claim that automatic spot. Harvard received an at-large bid from the selection committee. According to ESPN, both teams faced a tough challenge against seasoned playoff opponents.

Seeded Teams Show Their Strength

Youngstown State, the 15th seed, dominated Yale 31-7. The game was played at Stambaugh Stadium in Ohio. The Penguins’ defense was relentless, controlling the game from start to finish.

Villanova, seeded 12th, was equally impressive. The Wildcats raced to a 31-0 halftime lead over Harvard. They secured a comprehensive win at home in Pennsylvania.

These results highlighted the gap between playoff veterans and newcomers. The Ivy League teams gained valuable experience but were ultimately overmatched.

Bracket Advances Toward Second Round

The winners from Saturday’s games now advance. They will face the top eight seeds who had first-round byes. The second round is scheduled for December 6.

All games will be available to stream on ESPN+. The FCS Championship game is set for January 5, 2026. It will be held in Nashville, Tennessee.

The first round of the FCS playoff bracket confirmed the dominance of the seeded teams. It also welcomed a new era for Ivy League football on the national stage.

Thought you’d like to know

Which teams got first-round byes in the FCS playoffs?

The top eight seeds received byes. These teams include North Dakota State, Montana State, and Montana. They will host second-round games on December 6.

Why is this the Ivy League’s first FCS playoff appearance?

The Ivy League previously had a policy against postseason play. That policy changed recently, allowing its champion to enter the FCS playoff bracket for the first time this season.

Where can I watch the next FCS playoff games?

All remaining playoff games will be streamed on ESPN+. The championship final will also be broadcast on ESPN television.

How did the other first-round FCS games conclude?

Six other games were played Saturday. The winners advanced to face the top seeds, setting up a competitive second-round schedule across the country.