FCS Playoff Bracket (PDF)
United Athletic Conference (UAC) Football produced a pair of teams tabbed as Top 10 seeds for the upcoming 2025 FCS Championship Playoffs as announced by the NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee on Sunday. UAC co-champions Tarleton State and Abilene Christian earned 4-seed and 10-seed in the bracket, respectively. In just three seasons of play, the UAC has boasted multiple playoff participants in each of the last two championships.
The Wildcats, back-to-back recipients of the league's AQ playoff spot after going 8-4 overall and 7-1 in UAC play, hope to build on the momentum of their second consecutive postseason appearance after posting a victory in their debut last year. ACU hosts in-state foe Lamar for a first-round meeting Saturday at Anthony Field/Wildcat Stadium in Abilene, Texas. Quarterback Stone Earle, who has thrown for 2,771 yards and 19 touchdowns, teams with wide receiver Javon Gipson (786 yards, 49 receptions, 4 TDs) in leading the Wildcats offense. The ACU defense features Rashon Myles Jr., the league leader with 104 tackles, and Dorian Plumley, tied atop the conference list with five interceptions.
It is two-for-two for the Texans earning a spot in the playoffs with the highest seed for a UAC squad in just their second year of eligibility. TSU, who was ranked in the Top 10 for much of the season while compiling an 11-1 overall mark (7-1 vs UAC), has an opening round bye before hosting the winner of No. 13 seed Tennessee Tech vs North Dakota State on Dec. 6 in Stephenville, Texas. Along with 10 wins versus FCS opponents, Tarleton State also claimed one of the four FCS over FBS wins this year with a 30-27 double overtime decision at Army. The Texans possess one of the nation's most potent offenses averaging 475.2 yards per game (265.7 passing / 209.5 rushing) and 45.2 points per game. The TSU defense only allows 18.4 points per contest. TSU quarterback Victor Gabalis topped the UAC with 25 touchdown tosses along with 2,394 yards in the air, while Yasir Holmes (13.0 TFL / 8.0 sacks) and Angelo Anderson (10.5 TFL / 9.5 sacks) anchored a strong Texan defense.
For the second year in a row, 16 teams were seeded in the bracket with each earning the ability to host their first playoff game and the top eight receiving opening round byes.
First round games in the FCS Playoffs are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29:
No. 10 Abilene Christian vs Lamar | 12 PM CT (ESPN+)
Quarterfinal round games in the FCS Playoffs are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6:
No. 4 Tarleton State vs No. 13 Tennessee Tech/North Dakota State | 12 PM CT (ESPN+)
With a victory, Wildcats would advance to face No. 7 seed Stephen F. Austin on Dec. 6 (12 PM CT)
With a victory, Texans would advance to semifinals on Dec. 13 (TBA)