Division I Football Championship

Format and selection

NCAA championship selection

24 teams; first round, second round, quarterfinals, semifinals and championship.

1. The NCAA selects a 24-team field with automatic conference qualifiers and at-large selections.
2. The eight highest seeds receive first-round byes. Campus rounds lead to the championship game in Nashville.

These are documented selection procedures. They do not explain why a particular participant was chosen unless the source expressly records that decision.

History

The NCAA has organized this national championship since 1978.

A single-elimination bracket determines the champion. The field size and qualifying arrangements changed over time.

Sources and coverage

• 2026 FCS championship format and dates ↗

Previous editions