2024 NCAA Division I FCS football season

The 2024 NCAA Division I FCS football season, part of college football in the United States, was organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. The regular season began on August 24 and ended in November. The postseason began in November and, aside from any scheduled all-star games, ended on January 6, 2025 with the 2025 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.^[1]

Quick Facts Regular season, Number of teams ...

2024 NCAA Division I FCS season

Regular season
Number of teams	129
Duration	August 24 – December 7
Payton Award	Tommy Mellott, QB, Montana State
Buchanan Award	David Walker, DE, Central Arkansas
Playoff
Duration	November 30 – December 21
Championship date	January 6, 2025
Championship site	Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas
Champion	North Dakota State
NCAA Division I FCS football seasons
«2023 2025»

Due to the structure of the calendar in 2024, FCS teams were allowed to play 12 regular-season games instead of the normal 11.^[2]

Notable headlines

April 19 - The NCAA approved numerous technology rules such as teams having the option of using tablets to view in-game video for the 2024 season. ^[3]^[4]
- Numerous conferences such as the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), Big Sky Conference, United Athletic Conference, Patriot League, Southwestern Athletic Conference and the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference partnered with a company called GameStrat for their teams to utilize in-game video technology. ^[5]^[6]^[7]^[8]^[9]
- 7 out of the final 8 playoff teams leveraged GameStrat's in-game video technology. ^[10]
April 25 – The NCAA approved an increase in the number of seeded teams in the FCS playoff bracket from 8 to 16, effective for the 2024 season. The number of qualifying teams and the bracket format will remain otherwise unchanged.^[11]
May 29 – Stephen F. Austin announced it would leave the United Athletic Conference (UAC) on July 1 to rejoin the Southland Conference (SLC) after a three-year absence.^[12]
October 9:^[13]
- The NCAA Division I Council approved the recommended reduction of the FBS and FCS transfer portal to 30 days, though with a different schedule than recommended. The fall window, which opens on the Monday after the FBS conference championship games, will be open only for 20 days. A 10-day spring portal will open in mid-April.
- The Council also abolished the National Letter of Intent program effective immediately. Written offers of athletics aid will replace the NLI.
- The Council introduced a proposal that would shorten the transition periods for schools wishing to reclassify from Division II or Division III to Division I. The Council would approve this proposal at its January 2025 meeting, thereby reducing the transition periods for D-II and D-III schools by a year, respectively to three and four years.^[14]

November 7 – Texas A&M University-Commerce announced a name change to East Texas A&M University, effective immediately.^[15]
December 18 - The Ivy League announced starting in the 2025 season, the league champion will participate in the NCAA Division I Championship.^[16]

Conference changes and new programs

More information School, 2023 conference ...

School	2023 conference	2024 conference	Ref
Bryant Bulldogs	Big South–OVC	CAA	^[17]
Kennesaw State Owls	FCS Independent	CUSA (FBS)	^[18]
Mercyhurst Lakers	PSAC (D-II)	NEC	^[19]
Merrimack Warriors	NEC	FCS Independent	^[20]
Robert Morris Colonials	Big South–OVC	NEC	^[21]
Sacred Heart Pioneers	NEC	FCS Independent	^[22]
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks	UAC	Southland	^[23]
West Georgia Wolves	Gulf South (D-II)	UAC	^[24]^[25]^[26]^[27]
Western Illinois Leathernecks	MVFC	Big South–OVC	^[28]

Conference standings

More information Conf, Overall ...

2024 Big Sky Conference football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 2 Montana State $^	8	–	0	15	–	1
No. 5 UC Davis ^	7	–	1	11	–	3
No. 7 Idaho ^	6	–	2	10	–	4
No. 22 Northern Arizona ^	6	–	2	8	–	5
No. 10 Montana ^	5	–	3	9	–	5
Idaho State	3	–	5	5	–	7
Eastern Washington	3	–	5	4	–	8
Weber State	3	–	5	4	–	8
Portland State	3	–	5	3	–	8
Cal Poly	2	–	6	3	–	8
Sacramento State	1	–	7	3	–	9
Northern Colorado	1	–	7	1	–	11

$ – Conference champion ^ – FCS playoff participant Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Big South–OVC football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 16 Southeast Missouri State +^	6	–	2	9	–	4
Tennessee Tech +	6	–	2	7	–	5
No. 17 UT Martin +^	6	–	2	9	–	5
No. 19 Tennessee State +^	6	–	2	9	–	4
Lindenwood*	4	–	4	5	–	7
Western Illinois	3	–	5	4	–	8
Gardner–Webb	3	–	5	4	–	8
Eastern Illinois	2	–	6	3	–	9
Charleston Southern	0	–	8	1	–	11

+ – Conference co-champions ^ – FCS playoff participant Note: Lindenwood ineligible for Big South–OVC title and FCS postseason play due to transition from NCAA Division II. Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Coastal Athletic Association Football Conference standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 15 Richmond +^	8	–	0	10	–	3
No. 9 Rhode Island* +^	7	–	1	11	–	3
No. 12 Villanova ^	6	–	2	10	–	4
Delaware*	6	–	2	9	–	2
No. 23 New Hampshire ^	6	–	2	8	–	5
Stony Brook	5	–	3	8	–	4
Towson	5	–	3	7	–	5
Elon	5	–	3	6	–	6
William & Mary	4	–	4	7	–	5
Monmouth	4	–	4	6	–	6
Maine	3	–	5	5	–	7
Albany	2	–	6	4	–	8
Hampton	2	–	6	5	–	7
Campbell	1	–	7	3	–	9
Bryant	0	–	8	2	–	10
North Carolina A&T	0	–	8	1	–	11
* Delaware ineligible for rankings and 2024 FCS playoffs due to transition to the FBS. Richmond and Rhode Island named co-champions as Rhode Island's only CAA loss was to Delaware.

+ – Conference co-champions ^ – FCS playoff participant As of January 28, 2025 Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Ivy League football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
Dartmouth +	5	–	2	8	–	2
No. 25 Harvard +	5	–	2	8	–	2
Columbia +	5	–	2	7	–	3
Yale	4	–	3	7	–	3
Cornell	3	–	4	4	–	6
Penn	2	–	5	4	–	6
Brown	2	–	5	3	–	7
Princeton	2	–	5	3	–	7

+ – Conference co-champions Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 24 South Carolina State $	5	–	0	9	–	3
North Carolina Central	4	–	1	8	–	3
Morgan State	3	–	2	6	–	6
Norfolk State	2	–	3	4	–	8
Howard	1	–	4	4	–	8
Delaware State	0	–	5	1	–	11

$ – Conference champion Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Missouri Valley Football Conference standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 1 North Dakota State +^	7	–	1	14	–	2
No. 3 South Dakota State +^	7	–	1	12	–	3
No. 4 South Dakota +^	7	–	1	11	–	3
No. 11 Illinois State ^	6	–	2	10	–	4
Missouri State *	6	–	2	8	–	4
Youngstown State	3	–	5	4	–	8
Indiana State	3	–	5	4	–	8
North Dakota	2	–	6	5	–	7
Southern Illinois	2	–	6	4	–	8
Northern Iowa	1	–	7	3	–	9
Murray State	0	–	8	1	–	11

+ – Conference co-champions ^ – FCS playoff participant * – Ineligible for 2024 FCS playoffs due to transition to the FBS Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Northeast Conference football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
Central Connecticut +^	5	–	1	7	–	6
Duquesne +	5	–	1	8	–	3
Robert Morris	4	–	2	7	–	5
LIU	3	–	3	4	–	8
Wagner	2	–	4	4	–	8
Saint Francis (PA)	2	–	4	4	–	7
Mercyhurst*	0	–	0	4	–	7
Stonehill*	0	–	6	1	–	10

+ – Conference co-champions ^ – FCS playoff participant * – Stonehill and Mercyhurst are ineligible for NEC title and FCS postseason play due to transition from NCAA Division II. Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Patriot League football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 20 Lehigh +^	5	–	1	9	–	4
Holy Cross +	5	–	1	6	–	6
Bucknell	4	–	2	6	–	6
Lafayette	2	–	4	6	–	6
Georgetown	2	–	4	5	–	6
Fordham	2	–	4	2	–	10
Colgate	1	–	5	2	–	10

+ – Conference co-champions ^ – FCS playoff participant Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Pioneer Football League standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
Drake $^	7	–	1	8	–	3
San Diego	6	–	2	8	–	3
Butler	5	–	3	9	–	3
Morehead State	5	–	3	7	–	5
St. Thomas (MN)*	5	–	3	6	–	6
Dayton	4	–	4	6	–	5
Davidson	4	–	4	6	–	5
Presbyterian	4	–	4	6	–	6
Valparaiso	2	–	5	4	–	7
Marist	1	–	7	1	–	10
Stetson	0	–	7	2	–	9

$ – Conference champion ^ – FCS playoff participant * – St. Thomas (MN) ineligible for FCS postseason play due to transition from NCAA Division III Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Southern Conference football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 8 Mercer $^	7	–	1	11	–	3
Western Carolina	6	–	2	7	–	5
Chattanooga	5	–	3	7	–	5
East Tennessee State	5	–	3	7	–	5
Samford	3	–	4	4	–	7
The Citadel	3	–	5	5	–	7
Wofford	3	–	5	5	–	7
Furman	2	–	5	3	–	8
VMI	1	–	7	1	–	11

$ – Conference champion ^ – FCS playoff participant Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Southland Conference football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 6 Incarnate Word $^	7	–	0	11	–	3
Southeastern Louisiana	6	–	1	7	–	5
Stephen F. Austin	4	–	3	7	–	5
Lamar	4	–	3	7	–	5
McNeese	3	–	4	6	–	6
Houston Christian	3	–	4	5	–	7
East Texas A&M*	2	–	4	3	–	9
Nicholls	2	–	5	4	–	8
Northwestern State	0	–	7	0	–	12

$ – Conference champion ^ – FCS playoff participant * – East Texas A&M is ineligible for FCS postseason play due to transition from NCAA Division II. Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Southwestern Athletic Conference football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
East Division
No. 18 Jackson State x$	9	–	0	12	–	2
Florida A&M	5	–	3	7	–	5
Alabama State	5	–	3	7	–	5
Alabama A&M	4	–	4	6	–	6
Bethune–Cookman	2	–	6	2	–	10
Mississippi Valley State	1	–	7	1	–	11
West Division
Southern x	7	–	2	8	–	5
Alcorn State	5	–	3	6	–	6
Texas Southern	4	–	4	5	–	6
Prairie View A&M	3	–	5	5	–	7
Grambling State	2	–	6	5	–	7
Arkansas–Pine Bluff	2	–	6	3	–	9
Championship: Jackson State 41, Southern 13
$ – Conference champion x – Division champion/co-champions y – Championship game participant Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 United Athletic Conference standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 14 Abilene Christian $^	7	–	1	9	–	5
No. 13 Tarleton State ^	6	–	2	10	–	4
No. 21 Eastern Kentucky ^	6	–	2	8	–	5
Southern Utah	6	–	2	7	–	5
Central Arkansas	3	–	5	6	–	6
Austin Peay	3	–	5	4	–	8
North Alabama	3	–	5	3	–	9
West Georgia*	1	–	7	4	–	7
Utah Tech	1	–	7	1	–	11

$ – Conference champion ^ – FCS playoff participant Note: West Georgia is ineligible for the UAC title and FCS postseason play due to transition from NCAA Division II. Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 NCAA Division I FCS independents football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
Sacred Heart		–		5	–	6
Merrimack		–		5	–	6

Playoff qualifiers

Automatic berths for conference champions

More information Conference, Team ...

Conference	Team	Record	Appearance	Last bid	Result of last appearance
Big Sky Conference	Montana State	12–0 (8–0)	14th	2023	Lost to North Dakota State in second round
Big South–OVC	Southeast Missouri State	9–3 (6–2)	5th	2022	Lost to Montana in first round
CAA Football	Richmond	10–2 (8–0)	14th	2023	Lost to Albany in second round
Missouri Valley Football Conference	South Dakota State	10–2 (7–1)	14th	2023	Won National Championship against Montana
Northeast Conference	Central Connecticut	7–5 (5–1)	3rd	2019	Lost to Albany in first round
Patriot League	Lehigh	8–3 (5–1)	12th	2017	Lost to Stony Brook in first round
Pioneer Football League	Drake	8–2 (7–1)	2nd	2023	Lost to North Dakota State in first round
Southern Conference	Mercer	10–2 (7–1)	2nd	2023	Lost to South Dakota State in second round
Southland Conference	Incarnate Word	10–2 (7–0)	4th	2022	Lost to North Dakota State in semifinal
United Athletic Conference	Abilene Christian	8–4 (7–1)	1st	N/A	N/A

At-large qualifiers

More information Conference, Team ...

Conference	Team	Record	Appearance	Last bid	Result of last appearance
Big Sky Conference	Idaho	9–3 (6–2)	14th	2023	Lost to Albany in quarterfinals
	UC Davis	10–2 (7–1)	3rd	2021	Lost to South Dakota State in first round
	Montana	8–4 (5–3)	29th	2023	Lost to South Dakota State in National Championship
	Northern Arizona	8–4 (6–2)	7th	2017	Lost to San Diego in first round
Big South–OVC	UT Martin	8–4 (6–2)	3rd	2021	Lost to Montana State in second round
Big South–OVC	Tennessee State	9–3 (6–2)	7th	2013	Lost to Eastern Illinois in second round
CAA Football	New Hampshire	8–4 (6–2)	18th	2022	Lost to Holy Cross in second round
	Villanova	9–3 (6–2)	16th	2023	Lost to South Dakota State in quarterfinals
	Rhode Island	10–2 (7–1)	4th	1985	Lost to Furman in quarterfinals
Missouri Valley Football Conference	North Dakota State	10–2 (7–1)	15th	2023	Lost to Montana in semifinal
	South Dakota	9–2 (7–1)	4th	2023	Lost to North Dakota State in quarterfinals
	Illinois State	9–3 (6–2)	9th	2019	Lost to North Dakota State in quarterfinals
United Athletic Conference	Tarleton State	9–3 (6–2)	1st	N/A	N/A
United Athletic Conference	Eastern Kentucky	8–4 (6–2)	22nd	2022	Lost to Gardner–Webb in second round

Abstentions

Postseason

Summarize

Perspective

The FCS again features a 24-team postseason bracket: 10 teams decided via automatic bids issued to conference champions, and 14 at-large bids (see above). Where previously the top eight teams were seeded, the top 16 teams were seeded this year, a change from the 2023 season.^[11]

Bowl game

More information Date, Time (EST) ...

Date	Time (EST)	Game	Site	Television	Teams	Affiliations	Results
Dec 14	Noon	Celebration Bowl	Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta, Georgia	USA: ABC Canada: TSN1/4	Jackson State Tigers South Carolina State Bulldogs	SWAC MEAC	Jackson State 28 South Carolina State 7

NCAA Division I playoff bracket

First Round November 30 Campus sites USA: ESPN+, ESPN2 Canada: TSN+			Second Round December 7 Campus sites ESPN+			Quarterfinals December 13/14 Campus sites USA: ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ Canada: TSN+			Semifinals December 21 Campus sites USA: ABC/ESPN+ Canada: TSN+			National Championship January 6 7 p.m. EST Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas USA: ESPN/ESPN+ Canada: TSN2/TSN+

			1	Montana State	49
16	New Hampshire	10		UT Martin	17
	UT Martin	41				1	Montana State	52
						8	Idaho	19
			8	Idaho	34
9	Richmond	16		Lehigh	13
	Lehigh	20							1	Montana State	31
									4	South Dakota	17
			5	UC Davis	42
12	Illinois State	35	12	Illinois State	10
	Southeast Missouri State*	27				4	South Dakota	35
						5	UC Davis	21
			4	South Dakota	42
13	Tarleton State	43	13	Tarleton State	31
	Drake	29										1	Montana State	32
												2	North Dakota State	35
			3	South Dakota State	35
14	Montana	41	14	Montana	18
	Tennessee State	27				3	South Dakota State	55
						6	Incarnate Word	14
			6	Incarnate Word	13
11	Villanova	22	11	Villanova	6
	Eastern Kentucky	17							3	South Dakota State	21
									2	North Dakota State	28
			7	Mercer	17
10	Rhode Island	21	10	Rhode Island	10
	Central Connecticut	17				2	North Dakota State	31
						7	Mercer	7
			2	North Dakota State	51
15	Abilene Christian	24	15	Abilene Christian	31
	Northern Arizona	0

* Hosted despite being the unseeded team (Illinois State unable to host due to facilities conflicts)^[29]

Source:^[30]

Rankings

The top 25 from the Stats Perform and AFCA Coaches Polls.

Pre-season polls

More information Stats Perform, Ranking ...

Stats Perform
Ranking	Team
1	South Dakota State (52)
2	North Dakota State (3)
3	Montana
4	Montana State (1)
5	South Dakota
6	Villanova
7	Idaho
8	Sacramento State
9	Chattanooga
10	Southern Illinois
11	Central Arkansas
12	Furman
13	Richmond
14	Incarnate Word
15	William & Mary
16	Albany
17	Lafayette
18	UC Davis
19	Illinois State
20	Western Carolina
21	Tarleton State
22	Weber State
23	Nicholls
24	North Dakota
25	Youngstown State

USA Today Coaches
Ranking	Team
1	South Dakota State (25)
2	North Dakota State
3	Montana
4	Montana State
5	South Dakota
6	Villanova
7	Idaho
8	Chattanooga
9	Furman
10	Sacramento State
11	Southern Illinois
12	Richmond
13	Central Arkansas
14	Albany
15	Incarnate Word
16	William & Mary
17	UC Davis
18	Lafayette
19	Western Carolina
20	Illinois State
21	Tarleton State
22	North Dakota
23	Youngstown State
24	Nicholls
25	Florida A&M (1)

STATS source:^[31]
AFCA source:^[32]

Final rankings

Kickoff games

The regular season began on Saturday, August 24 with four games in Week 0:

FCS Kickoff (Cramton Bowl, Montgomery, Alabama): Southeast Missouri State 37, North Alabama 15
Hawaii 35, Delaware State 14
No. 4 Montana State 35, New Mexico 31
MEAC/SWAC Challenge (Center Parc Stadium, Atlanta): Florida A&M 24, Norfolk State 23

Regular season top 10 matchups

Rankings reflect the Stats Perform Poll.

Week 6
- No. 2 North Dakota State defeated No. 7 North Dakota, 41–17 (Fargodome, Fargo, North Dakota)
Week 7
- No. 3 Montana State defeated No. 7 Idaho, 38–7 (Bobcat Stadium, Bozeman, Montana)
Week 8
- No. 2 North Dakota State defeated No. 1 South Dakota State, 13–9 (Dakota Marker – Fargodome, Fargo, North Dakota)
Week 9
- No. 3 South Dakota State defeated No. 4 South Dakota, 20–17^OT (Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, Brookings, South Dakota)
Week 11
- No. 4 UC Davis defeated No. 7 Montana, 30–14 (Washington–Grizzly Stadium, Missoula, Montana)
Week 12
- No. 2 Montana State defeated No. 4 UC Davis, 30–28 (UC Davis Health Stadium, Davis, California)
Week 13
- No. 4 South Dakota defeated No. 1 North Dakota State, 29–28 (DakotaDome, Vermillion, South Dakota)
- No. 2 Montana State defeated No. 9 Montana, 34–11 (Brawl of the Wild – Bobcat Stadium, Bozeman, Montana)

Upsets

Summarize

Perspective

This section lists instances of unranked teams defeating ranked teams during the season.

Regular season

During the regular season, thirty-four unranked teams defeated ranked teams.

September 7, 2024
- Wofford 26, No. 14 Richmond 19
- Charleston Southern 24, No. 15 Furman 20
- Campbell 24, No. 17 Western Carolina 16
September 14, 2024
- Lamar 17, No. 20 Weber State 16
- Duquesne 28, No. 21 Youngstown State 25
- Western Carolina 24, No. 22 Elon 17
September 21, 2024
- Columbia 31, No. 18 Lafayette 20
September 28, 2024
- Northern Arizona 34, No. 10 Sacramento State 16
- Maine 34, No. 21 Albany 20
- McNeese 28, No. 25 Weber State 26
October 4, 2024
- Harvard 28, No. 21 New Hampshire 23
October 5, 2024
- Weber State, 55, No. 8 Montana 48^OT
- Towson 34, No. 12 William & Mary 27
- Houston Christian 43, No. 22 McNeese 22
- Chattanooga 17, No. 23 East Tennessee State 10
October 12, 2024
- North Alabama 47, No. 10 Abilene Christian 34
- Missouri State 41, No. 16 Illinois State 7
- Eastern Washington 35, No. 18 Sacramento State 28
- Northern Colorado 21, No. 20 Weber State 17
- Stephen F. Austin 27, No. 22 Lamar 20
October 19, 2024
- Maine 35, No. 5 Villanova 7
- Samford 55, No. 7 Mercer 35
- Jackson State 35, No. 25т Florida A&M 21
October 26, 2024
- Youngstown State 41, No. 7 North Dakota 40^OT
- Stony Brook 35, No. 16 William & Mary 13
October 31, 2024
- South Carolina State 24, No. 19 North Carolina Central 21
November 2, 2024
- Utah Tech 34, No. 11 Central Arkansas 21
- Eastern Kentucky 17, No. 13 Tarleton State 13
- Indiana State 35, No. 15 North Dakota 31
- Western Carolina 38, No. 18 Chattanooga 34
- Harvard 31, No. 22 Dartmouth 27
- UT Martin 28, No. 25 Tennessee State 21
November 9, 2024
- Lindenwood 24, No. 6 Southeast Missouri State 12
- Delaware 24, No. 11 Rhode Island 21
- Eastern Kentucky 31, No. 16 Central Arkansas 24
- Elon 40, No. 20 William & Mary 36
- East Tennessee State 24, No. 22 Western Carolina 21
November 16, 2024
- Monmouth 40, No. 9 Villanova 33
- New Hampshire 31, No. 16 Stony Brook 30
- Tennessee Tech 10, No. 18 UT Martin 9
- Samford 36, No. 19 Chattanooga 13
- Furman 24, No. 21 East Tennessee State 21
- Southern Utah 38, No. 24 Central Arkansas 31
November 23, 2024
- Stephen F. Austin 32, No. 11 Abilene Christian 19
- Tennessee State 28, No. 12 Southeast Missouri State 21
- Yale 34, No. 17 Harvard 29
- Monmouth 55, No. 18 Stony Brook 47
- Central Connecticut 21, No. 19 Duquesne 14

Postseason

FCS team wins over FBS teams

August 24:
- No. 4 Montana State 35, New Mexico 31
September 7:
- Saint Francis (PA) 23, Kent State 17
- No. 7 Idaho 17, Wyoming 13
- Southern Utah 27, UTEP 24^OT
September 21:
- Monmouth 45, FIU 42
September 28:
- UT Martin 24, Kennesaw State 13

Coaching changes

Summarize

Perspective

Preseason and in-season

This is restricted to coaching changes that took place on or after May 1, 2024, and will include any changes announced after a team's last regularly scheduled games but before its playoff games. For coaching changes that occurred earlier in 2024, see 2023 NCAA Division I FCS end-of-season coaching changes.

More information School, Outgoing coach ...

School	Outgoing coach	Date	Reason	Replacement

End of season

This list includes coaching changes announced during the season that did not take effect until the end of the season.

More information School, Outgoing coach ...

School	Outgoing coach	Date	Reason	Replacement	Previous position
Northern Iowa	Mark Farley	November 10, 2024	Retired^[33]	Todd Stepsis^[34]	Drake head coach (2019–2024)
Valparaiso	Landon Fox	November 24, 2024	Contract not renewed^[35]	Andy Waddle^[36]	Marietta head coach (2013–2024)
Prairie View A&M	Bubba McDowell	November 24, 2024	Fired^[37]	Tremaine Jackson^[38]	Valdosta State head coach (2022–2024)
McNeese	Gary Goff	November 25, 2024	Contract not renewed^[39]	Matt Viator^[40]	Louisiana senior defensive analyst (2021–2024)
Davidson	Scott Abell	November 26, 2024	Hired by Rice^[41]	Saj Thakkar^[42]	Bentley head coach (2023–2024)
Norfolk State	Dawson Odums	November 26, 2024	Fired^[43]	Michael Vick^[44]	Atlanta Legends advisor (2019)
North Dakota	Bubba Schweigert	November 30, 2024	Resigned^[45]	Eric Schmidt^[46]	San Diego State defensive coordinator and linebackers coach (2024)
Nicholls	Tim Rebowe	December 1, 2024	Retired^[47]	Tommy Rybacki	Nicholls defensive coordinator (2015–2024)
Colgate	Stan Dakosty	December 2, 2024	Fired^[48]	Curt Fitzpatrick^[49]	Cortland head coach (2020–2024)
Alabama A&M	Connell Maynor	December 2, 2024	Fired^[50]	Sam Shade^[51]	Miles head coach (2022–2024)
Drake	Todd Stepsis	December 3, 2024	Hired by Northern Iowa^[34]	Joe Woodley^[52]	Grand View head coach (2019–2024)
Delaware State	Lee Hull	December 3, 2024	Fired^[53]	DeSean Jackson^[54]	Woodrow Wilson (HS) (CA) offensive coordinator (2024)
Stetson	Brian Young	December 3, 2024	Resigned^[55]	Michael Jasper^[56]	Bethel (TN) head coach (2019–2024)
Butler	Mike Uremovich	December 4, 2024	Hired by Ball State^[57]	Kevin Lynch^[58]	Ball State assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach (2021–2024)
North Carolina A&T	Vincent Brown	December 4, 2024	Fired^[59]	Shawn Gibbs^[60]	Fort Valley State head coach (2022–2024)
Mississippi Valley State	Kendrick Wade	December 4, 2024	Fired^[61]	Terrell Buckley^[62]	Orlando Guardians head coach (2023)
Sacramento State	Andy Thompson	December 6, 2024	Resigned^[63]	Brennan Marion^[64]	UNLV offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach (2023–2024)
East Tennessee State	Tre Lamb	December 8, 2024	Hired by Tulsa^[65]	Will Healy^[66]	Georgia State running backs coach (2024)
Idaho	Jason Eck	December 14, 2024	Hired by New Mexico^[67]	Thomas Ford^[68]	Oregon State running backs coach (2024)
South Dakota State	Jimmy Rogers	December 28, 2024	Hired by Washington State^[69]	Dan Jackson^[70]	Idaho defensive coordinator (2024)
South Dakota	Bob Nielson	January 16, 2025	Retired^[71]	Travis Johansen^[72]	South Dakota associate head coach and defensive coordinator (2022–2024)

References

[1]
"FCS Championship: Future dates and sites". NCAA.com. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
[2]
"Bylaw 17.11.6.1: Number of Contests (FBS/FCS): Maximum Limitations – Institutional" (PDF). 2023–24 NCAA Division I Manual. NCAA. August 5, 2023. p. 263. Retrieved August 2, 2024. In championship subdivision football . . . Twelve football contests shall be permissible during those years in which there are 14 Saturdays from the first permissible playing date through the last playing date in November (e.g., 2024, 2025).
[3]
"Technology rules approved in football". NCAA.org. April 19, 2024. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
[4]
"NCAA Football Sideline Tablet Technology Ruling Updates". www.gamestrat.com. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
[5]
"Missouri Valley Football Conference Chooses GameStrat - Sideline Tablet Technology". www.gamestrat.com. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
[6]
"Big Sky Football Conference Chooses GameStrat - Sideline Tablet Technology". www.gamestrat.com. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
[7]
"United Athletic Conference Chooses GameStrat - Sideline Tablet Technology". www.gamestrat.com. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
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"Southwestern Athletic Conference Chooses GameStrat - Sideline Tablet Technology". www.gamestrat.com. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
[9]
"Patriot League Chooses GameStrat - Sideline Tablet Technology". www.gamestrat.com. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
[10]
"GameStrat: The Market Leader for In-Game Video Technology in NCAA D1 FCS Football". www.gamestrat.com. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
[11]
Herder, Sam (April 25, 2024). "Seeded Teams In 24-Team FCS Playoff Bracket Increases From 8 To 16". HeroSports.com. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
[12]
"SFA Athletics Accepts Invitation to Join Southland Conference in 2024-25" (Press release). Southland Conference. May 29, 2024. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
[13]
"DI Council approves changes to notification-of-transfer windows in basketball, football" (Press release). NCAA. October 9, 2024. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
[14]
"Division I adopts new reclassification criteria" (Press release). NCAA. January 15, 2025. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
[15]
"Texas A&M University System Board of Regents Approves Name Change for Texas A&M University-Commerce" (Press release). East Texas A&M University. November 7, 2024. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
[16]
"Ivy League To Begin Participating in the NCAA Division I FCS Playoffs Starting With 2025 Season". The Ivy League. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
[17]
"Coastal Athletic Association adding Bryant University in '24". ESPN.com. August 10, 2023.
[18]
"Kennesaw State to join Conference USA in July 2024". ESPN.com. October 14, 2022.
[19]
"Mercyhurst University marks new era in athletics with move to Division I". hurstathletics.com. Mercyhurst University. April 4, 2024.
[20]
"Merrimack College Accepts Invitation to Join Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference". merrimack.edu. Merrimack College. October 23, 2023.
[21]
"RMU Football to Rejoin Northeast Conference for 2024 Season". rmucolonials.com. Robert Morris University. November 28, 2023.
[22]
"Sacred Heart University Joining the MAAC". sacredheartpioneers.com. Sacred Heart University. March 14, 2024.
[23]
"SFA Accepts Bid to Southland Conference for 2024-25 Season". sfajacks.com. Stephen F. Austin State University. May 29, 2024.
[24]
"UWG, United Athletic Conference Reveal 2024 Conference Football Slate". uwgathletics.com. University of West Georgia. November 14, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
[25]
"UWG Athletics to Transition to NCAA Division I". westga.edu. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
[26]
"UAC Welcomes West Georgia as its 11th Member". uacfootball.com. United Athletic Conference. August 8, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
[27]
Chavkin, Daniel (September 8, 2023). "University of West Georgia Announces Move to NCAA Division I". SI.com.
[28]
"Western Illinois University to Join the OVC in 2023-24". ovcsports.com. December 5, 2023.
[29]
Tock, Olivia; Randle, Luke (November 23, 2024). "SEMO Redhawks selected to host Illinois State in FCS Playoffs". KFVS-TV. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
[30]
Treacy, Dan (November 24, 2024). "FCS playoff bracket: Full list of selections, schedule and seeds for 2024 college football playoffs". The Sporting News. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
[31]
"The Champ's Still No. 1: South Dakota State Sits on Top of FCS Preseason Top 25 Poll". theanalyst.com. STATS Perform. August 5, 2024. Retrieved August 10, 2024.
[32]
"Two-time defending champs South Dakota State lead 2024 preseason FCS Coaches' Poll". ncaa.com. NCAA. August 12, 2024. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
[33]
"UNI Football head coach Mark Farley to retire at conclusion of 2024 season". unifootball.com. Northern Iowa Panthers. November 10, 2024. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
[34]
"Todd Stepsis named University of Northern Iowa Football head coach". unifootball.com. Northern Iowa Panthers. December 3, 2024. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
[35]
"Valpo Athletics Announces Change in Leadership of Football Program" (Press release). Valparaiso Beacons. November 24, 2024. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
[36]
"Andy Waddle Named Head Coach of Valpo Football Program". valpoathletics.com. Valparaiso Beacons. December 9, 2024. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
[37]
Kleinpeter, Jim (November 24, 2024). "Prairie View fires football coach Bubba McDowell". The Advocate. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
[38]
"Prairie View A&M University Names Tremaine Jackson as the New Head Football Coach". Prairie View A&M University. December 21, 2024. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
[39]
"McNeese Announces Football Leadership Change". McNeese State University Athletics. November 25, 2024. Retrieved November 25, 2024.
[40]
Bonnette, Matthew (December 2, 2024). "McNeese hires Matt Viator to return Pokes to the Glory Days" (Press release). McNeese Cowboys. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
[41]
"Abell Named Owls' New Head Football Coach" (Press release). Rice University Athletics. November 26, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
[42]
"Davidson Names Saj Thakkar Head Football Coach" (Press release). Davidson Wildcats. December 17, 2024. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
[43]
MacDonald, Madie (November 26, 2024). "Norfolk State fires football coach after four seasons". WAVY-TV. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
[44]
"Michael Vick Named Norfolk State University Head Football Coach" (Press release). Norfolk State Spartans. December 20, 2024. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
[45]
"Head Coach Bubba Schweigert to Step Down, Move into senior administrative role with UND athletics". fightinghawks.com. November 30, 2024. Retrieved November 30, 2024.
[46]
Johnson, Alec Stocker (December 8, 2024). "Eric Schmidt named head coach of North Dakota football program" (Press release). North Dakota Fighting Hawks. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
[47]
"Rebowe Announces Retirment, Rybacki to be named head coach". geauxcolonels.com. Nicholls Colonels. December 1, 2024. Retrieved December 1, 2024.
[48]
"Colgate Announces Change in Football Leadership" (Press release). Colgate Raiders. December 2, 2024. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
[49]
Schmidt, Quinn (December 21, 2024). "Fitzpatrick Named Colgate University Head Football Coach". Colgate University. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
[50]
"Alabama A&M Football Announces Change in Leadership" (Press release). Alabama A&M Athletics. December 2, 2024. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
[51]
Howard, Brian (December 29, 2024). "Alabama A&M Welcomes Sam Shade as Head Football Coach". Alabama A&M University. Retrieved December 29, 2024.
[52]
"Bulldog Football Taps Joe Woodley as Next Head Coach" (Press release). Drake Athletics. December 23, 2024. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
[53]
"Delaware State University Announces Leadership Changes in Athletics" (Press release). Delaware State Athletics. December 3, 2024. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
[54]
"NFL Great DeSean Jackson Named Head Football Coach at Delaware State University" (Press release). Delaware State Hornets. December 27, 2024. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
[55]
"Young Resigns as Head Football Coach" (Press release). Stetson Hatters. December 3, 2024. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
[56]
"Mike Jasper Named Head Football Coach" (Press release). Stetson Hatters. December 20, 2024. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
[57]
"Mike Uremovich Named 19th Head Coach in Ball State Football History". getsomemaction.com. December 4, 2024. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
[58]
Dedman, John (December 12, 2024). "Kevin Lynch Selected to Lead Butler Football Program as Head Coach" (Press release). Butler Bulldogs. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
[59]
"North Carolina A&T Makes Change at Head Football Coach" (Press release). North Carolina A&T Aggies. December 4, 2024. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
[60]
"Shawn Gibbs Returns to Aggieland as New Head Football Coach" (Press release). North Carolina A&T Aggies. December 6, 2024. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
[61]
Gaither, Steven J. (December 4, 2024). "HBCU fires football coach after two seasons". hbcugameday.com. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
[62]
"Terrell Buckley Named as Head Football Coach for Mississippi Valley State University". Mississippi Valley State University. January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
[63]
"SACRAMENTO STATE ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGE IN FOOTBALL" (Press release). Sacramento State Hornets. December 6, 2024. Retrieved December 6, 2024.
[64]
"Brennan Marion Named Head Football Coach". Sacramento State University. December 20, 2024. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
[65]
Thamel, Pete (December 8, 2024). "Tulsa names East Tennessee State's Tre Lamb next football coach". ESPN. Retrieved December 8, 2024.
[66]
"Will Healy Named New Head Coach of ETSU Football" (Press release). East Tennessee State Buccaneers. December 12, 2024. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
[67]
Mercogliano, Frank (December 14, 2024). "Jason Eck Named 34th Head Football Coach" (Press release). New Mexico Lobos. Retrieved December 14, 2024.
[68]
"Ford Named Idaho's 37th Head Football Coach" (Press release). Idaho Vandals. December 18, 2024. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
[69]
"Jimmy Rogers Named Washington State Football Head Coach" (Press release). Washington State Cougars. December 28, 2024. Retrieved December 28, 2024.
[70]
"JACKSON SELECTED TO LEAD JACKRABBIT FOOTBALL" (Press release). South Dakota State Jackrabbits. December 31, 2024. Retrieved January 1, 2025.
[71]
"Head Football Coach Bob Nielson Steps Down" (Press release). South Dakota Coyotes. January 16, 2025. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
[72]
"Travis Johansen Named Head Coach of South Dakota Football" (Press release). South Dakota Coyotes. January 16, 2025. Retrieved January 16, 2025.

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Quick Facts Regular season, Number of teams ...

2024 NCAA Division I FCS season

Regular season
Number of teams	129
Duration	August 24 – December 7
Payton Award	Tommy Mellott, QB, Montana State
Buchanan Award	David Walker, DE, Central Arkansas
Playoff
Duration	November 30 – December 21
Championship date	January 6, 2025
Championship site	Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas
Champion	North Dakota State
NCAA Division I FCS football seasons
«2023 2025»

Due to the structure of the calendar in 2024, FCS teams were allowed to play 12 regular-season games instead of the normal 11.^[2]

Notable headlines

April 19 - The NCAA approved numerous technology rules such as teams having the option of using tablets to view in-game video for the 2024 season. ^[3]^[4]
- Numerous conferences such as the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), Big Sky Conference, United Athletic Conference, Patriot League, Southwestern Athletic Conference and the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference partnered with a company called GameStrat for their teams to utilize in-game video technology. ^[5]^[6]^[7]^[8]^[9]
- 7 out of the final 8 playoff teams leveraged GameStrat's in-game video technology. ^[10]
April 25 – The NCAA approved an increase in the number of seeded teams in the FCS playoff bracket from 8 to 16, effective for the 2024 season. The number of qualifying teams and the bracket format will remain otherwise unchanged.^[11]
May 29 – Stephen F. Austin announced it would leave the United Athletic Conference (UAC) on July 1 to rejoin the Southland Conference (SLC) after a three-year absence.^[12]
October 9:^[13]
- The NCAA Division I Council approved the recommended reduction of the FBS and FCS transfer portal to 30 days, though with a different schedule than recommended. The fall window, which opens on the Monday after the FBS conference championship games, will be open only for 20 days. A 10-day spring portal will open in mid-April.
- The Council also abolished the National Letter of Intent program effective immediately. Written offers of athletics aid will replace the NLI.
- The Council introduced a proposal that would shorten the transition periods for schools wishing to reclassify from Division II or Division III to Division I. The Council would approve this proposal at its January 2025 meeting, thereby reducing the transition periods for D-II and D-III schools by a year, respectively to three and four years.^[14]

November 7 – Texas A&M University-Commerce announced a name change to East Texas A&M University, effective immediately.^[15]
December 18 - The Ivy League announced starting in the 2025 season, the league champion will participate in the NCAA Division I Championship.^[16]

Conference changes and new programs

More information School, 2023 conference ...

School	2023 conference	2024 conference	Ref
Bryant Bulldogs	Big South–OVC	CAA	^[17]
Kennesaw State Owls	FCS Independent	CUSA (FBS)	^[18]
Mercyhurst Lakers	PSAC (D-II)	NEC	^[19]
Merrimack Warriors	NEC	FCS Independent	^[20]
Robert Morris Colonials	Big South–OVC	NEC	^[21]
Sacred Heart Pioneers	NEC	FCS Independent	^[22]
Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks	UAC	Southland	^[23]
West Georgia Wolves	Gulf South (D-II)	UAC	^[24]^[25]^[26]^[27]
Western Illinois Leathernecks	MVFC	Big South–OVC	^[28]

Conference standings

More information Conf, Overall ...

2024 Big Sky Conference football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 2 Montana State $^	8	–	0	15	–	1
No. 5 UC Davis ^	7	–	1	11	–	3
No. 7 Idaho ^	6	–	2	10	–	4
No. 22 Northern Arizona ^	6	–	2	8	–	5
No. 10 Montana ^	5	–	3	9	–	5
Idaho State	3	–	5	5	–	7
Eastern Washington	3	–	5	4	–	8
Weber State	3	–	5	4	–	8
Portland State	3	–	5	3	–	8
Cal Poly	2	–	6	3	–	8
Sacramento State	1	–	7	3	–	9
Northern Colorado	1	–	7	1	–	11

$ – Conference champion ^ – FCS playoff participant Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Big South–OVC football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 16 Southeast Missouri State +^	6	–	2	9	–	4
Tennessee Tech +	6	–	2	7	–	5
No. 17 UT Martin +^	6	–	2	9	–	5
No. 19 Tennessee State +^	6	–	2	9	–	4
Lindenwood*	4	–	4	5	–	7
Western Illinois	3	–	5	4	–	8
Gardner–Webb	3	–	5	4	–	8
Eastern Illinois	2	–	6	3	–	9
Charleston Southern	0	–	8	1	–	11

+ – Conference co-champions ^ – FCS playoff participant Note: Lindenwood ineligible for Big South–OVC title and FCS postseason play due to transition from NCAA Division II. Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Coastal Athletic Association Football Conference standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 15 Richmond +^	8	–	0	10	–	3
No. 9 Rhode Island* +^	7	–	1	11	–	3
No. 12 Villanova ^	6	–	2	10	–	4
Delaware*	6	–	2	9	–	2
No. 23 New Hampshire ^	6	–	2	8	–	5
Stony Brook	5	–	3	8	–	4
Towson	5	–	3	7	–	5
Elon	5	–	3	6	–	6
William & Mary	4	–	4	7	–	5
Monmouth	4	–	4	6	–	6
Maine	3	–	5	5	–	7
Albany	2	–	6	4	–	8
Hampton	2	–	6	5	–	7
Campbell	1	–	7	3	–	9
Bryant	0	–	8	2	–	10
North Carolina A&T	0	–	8	1	–	11
* Delaware ineligible for rankings and 2024 FCS playoffs due to transition to the FBS. Richmond and Rhode Island named co-champions as Rhode Island's only CAA loss was to Delaware.

+ – Conference co-champions ^ – FCS playoff participant As of January 28, 2025 Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Ivy League football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
Dartmouth +	5	–	2	8	–	2
No. 25 Harvard +	5	–	2	8	–	2
Columbia +	5	–	2	7	–	3
Yale	4	–	3	7	–	3
Cornell	3	–	4	4	–	6
Penn	2	–	5	4	–	6
Brown	2	–	5	3	–	7
Princeton	2	–	5	3	–	7

+ – Conference co-champions Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 24 South Carolina State $	5	–	0	9	–	3
North Carolina Central	4	–	1	8	–	3
Morgan State	3	–	2	6	–	6
Norfolk State	2	–	3	4	–	8
Howard	1	–	4	4	–	8
Delaware State	0	–	5	1	–	11

$ – Conference champion Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Missouri Valley Football Conference standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 1 North Dakota State +^	7	–	1	14	–	2
No. 3 South Dakota State +^	7	–	1	12	–	3
No. 4 South Dakota +^	7	–	1	11	–	3
No. 11 Illinois State ^	6	–	2	10	–	4
Missouri State *	6	–	2	8	–	4
Youngstown State	3	–	5	4	–	8
Indiana State	3	–	5	4	–	8
North Dakota	2	–	6	5	–	7
Southern Illinois	2	–	6	4	–	8
Northern Iowa	1	–	7	3	–	9
Murray State	0	–	8	1	–	11

+ – Conference co-champions ^ – FCS playoff participant * – Ineligible for 2024 FCS playoffs due to transition to the FBS Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Northeast Conference football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
Central Connecticut +^	5	–	1	7	–	6
Duquesne +	5	–	1	8	–	3
Robert Morris	4	–	2	7	–	5
LIU	3	–	3	4	–	8
Wagner	2	–	4	4	–	8
Saint Francis (PA)	2	–	4	4	–	7
Mercyhurst*	0	–	0	4	–	7
Stonehill*	0	–	6	1	–	10

+ – Conference co-champions ^ – FCS playoff participant * – Stonehill and Mercyhurst are ineligible for NEC title and FCS postseason play due to transition from NCAA Division II. Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Patriot League football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 20 Lehigh +^	5	–	1	9	–	4
Holy Cross +	5	–	1	6	–	6
Bucknell	4	–	2	6	–	6
Lafayette	2	–	4	6	–	6
Georgetown	2	–	4	5	–	6
Fordham	2	–	4	2	–	10
Colgate	1	–	5	2	–	10

+ – Conference co-champions ^ – FCS playoff participant Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Pioneer Football League standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
Drake $^	7	–	1	8	–	3
San Diego	6	–	2	8	–	3
Butler	5	–	3	9	–	3
Morehead State	5	–	3	7	–	5
St. Thomas (MN)*	5	–	3	6	–	6
Dayton	4	–	4	6	–	5
Davidson	4	–	4	6	–	5
Presbyterian	4	–	4	6	–	6
Valparaiso	2	–	5	4	–	7
Marist	1	–	7	1	–	10
Stetson	0	–	7	2	–	9

$ – Conference champion ^ – FCS playoff participant * – St. Thomas (MN) ineligible for FCS postseason play due to transition from NCAA Division III Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Southern Conference football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 8 Mercer $^	7	–	1	11	–	3
Western Carolina	6	–	2	7	–	5
Chattanooga	5	–	3	7	–	5
East Tennessee State	5	–	3	7	–	5
Samford	3	–	4	4	–	7
The Citadel	3	–	5	5	–	7
Wofford	3	–	5	5	–	7
Furman	2	–	5	3	–	8
VMI	1	–	7	1	–	11

$ – Conference champion ^ – FCS playoff participant Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Southland Conference football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 6 Incarnate Word $^	7	–	0	11	–	3
Southeastern Louisiana	6	–	1	7	–	5
Stephen F. Austin	4	–	3	7	–	5
Lamar	4	–	3	7	–	5
McNeese	3	–	4	6	–	6
Houston Christian	3	–	4	5	–	7
East Texas A&M*	2	–	4	3	–	9
Nicholls	2	–	5	4	–	8
Northwestern State	0	–	7	0	–	12

$ – Conference champion ^ – FCS playoff participant * – East Texas A&M is ineligible for FCS postseason play due to transition from NCAA Division II. Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 Southwestern Athletic Conference football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
East Division
No. 18 Jackson State x$	9	–	0	12	–	2
Florida A&M	5	–	3	7	–	5
Alabama State	5	–	3	7	–	5
Alabama A&M	4	–	4	6	–	6
Bethune–Cookman	2	–	6	2	–	10
Mississippi Valley State	1	–	7	1	–	11
West Division
Southern x	7	–	2	8	–	5
Alcorn State	5	–	3	6	–	6
Texas Southern	4	–	4	5	–	6
Prairie View A&M	3	–	5	5	–	7
Grambling State	2	–	6	5	–	7
Arkansas–Pine Bluff	2	–	6	3	–	9
Championship: Jackson State 41, Southern 13
$ – Conference champion x – Division champion/co-champions y – Championship game participant Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 United Athletic Conference standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
No. 14 Abilene Christian $^	7	–	1	9	–	5
No. 13 Tarleton State ^	6	–	2	10	–	4
No. 21 Eastern Kentucky ^	6	–	2	8	–	5
Southern Utah	6	–	2	7	–	5
Central Arkansas	3	–	5	6	–	6
Austin Peay	3	–	5	4	–	8
North Alabama	3	–	5	3	–	9
West Georgia*	1	–	7	4	–	7
Utah Tech	1	–	7	1	–	11

$ – Conference champion ^ – FCS playoff participant Note: West Georgia is ineligible for the UAC title and FCS postseason play due to transition from NCAA Division II. Rankings from STATS Poll

2024 NCAA Division I FCS independents football standings
v t e
Team	W		L	W		L
Sacred Heart		–		5	–	6
Merrimack		–		5	–	6

Playoff qualifiers