Football Championship Subdivision
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| Football Championship Subdivision | |
|---|---|
 NCAA · Public domain · source | |
| Name | Football Championship Subdivision |
| Founded | 1978 (as Division I-AA) |
| Teams | 127 (varies by season) |
| Country | United States |
| Governing body | National Collegiate Athletic Association |
| Most championships | Georgia Southern University (6) |
Football Championship Subdivision
The Football Championship Subdivision is the second tier of NCAA Division I collegiate American football, sitting below Division I FBS and above Division II. It features programs from institutions such as University of Montana, North Dakota State University, Eastern Washington University, James Madison University, and Appalachian State University competing in conference play, national playoffs, and bowl games. The subdivision is governed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and is noted for producing professional athletes for the National Football League, Canadian Football League, and other leagues.
History
The subdivision was established in 1978 as Division I-AA following debates within the National Collegiate Athletic Association and proposals from members including University of Alabama, University of Notre Dame, and Ohio State University about competitive balance and scholarship limits. Early champions such as University of Delaware and Eastern Kentucky University shaped postseason traditions centered on playoff brackets influenced by models from the National Football League and Canadian Football League. Rebranding to its current name occurred in 2006 under decisions by NCAA Division I Management Council leadership, influenced by stakeholders including FCS conferences leadership and university presidents from institutions like University of Montana and University of Maine.
Structure and Membership
Membership comprises programs across conferences such as the Missouri Valley Football Conference, Big Sky Conference, Colonial Athletic Association Football Conference, Southern Conference, and Southland Conference. Institutions range from public research universities like University of North Dakota and Clemson University (note: Clemson University competes at FBS) to private colleges such as The Citadel and Harvard University (note: Ivy League schools have unique postseason policies). Conferences determine scheduling, scholarship allocations tied to NCAA rules adopted by committees including the NCAA Division I Council, and compliance standards coordinated with offices such as the NCAA Enforcement Division.
Season and Championship Format
Regular seasons typically run from late August to November, with conference schedules determined by bodies like the American Athletic Conference (as comparator) and officiated under rules promulgated by the National Federation of State High School Associations (influential in rules development) and the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel. Teams vie for conference titles in contests hosted at campus venues such as Washington–Grizzly Stadium and Fouts Field, with standings influenced by head-to-head records and tiebreakers administered by conference commissioners, including those from the Big Sky Conference and Missouri Valley Conference.
Postseason and Playoffs
The subdivision uses a seeded single-elimination playoff to determine its national champion, a system distinct from the College Football Playoff used by Division I FBS programs like University of Alabama and University of Oklahoma. Automatic bids come from conferences such as the Big Sky Conference and Missouri Valley Football Conference, while at-large selections are decided by a selection committee including athletic directors from institutions like Montana State University and North Dakota State University. Playoff sites have included neutral venues and campus stadiums, culminating historically in championship games held in cities such as Frisco, Texas and Charlotte, North Carolina.
Awards and Honors
Individual awards recognize excellence through honors like the Walter Payton Award, the Buck Buchanan Award, and the Jerry Rice Award, presented at ceremonies attended by representatives from programs including Eastern Washington University, Georgia Southern University, and James Madison University. Coaches have been lauded with the AFCA Coach of the Year in seasons dominated by figures such as Cory Ross (note: coach associations), while all-America teams are selected by organizations like the Sports Network and the Associated Press.
Rivalries and Notable Programs
Historic rivalries exist between programs such as Montana State University and University of Montana (Brawl of the Wild), North Dakota State University and South Dakota State University (Dakota Marker), and Appalachian State University and Western Carolina University. Notable programs with multiple championships or professional player pipelines include Georgia Southern University, North Dakota State University, James Madison University, Montana State University, and Appalachian State University, each maintaining strong alumni networks interfacing with organizations like the National Football League Players Association.
Impact and Development of Players
The subdivision has been a pathway for athletes advancing to professional leagues such as the National Football League and Canadian Football League, with alumni including notable players who have joined teams like the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks. Player development is supported by institutional resources from athletic departments at universities like North Dakota State University and Montana State University, scouting by professional organizations including NFL Scouting Combine participants, and coaching staffs with ties to NFL franchises and collegiate programs such as Boise State University and University of Florida.