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People frequently use the term “FCS” to describe the level of college football competition in the US. Then what is FCS football? What does FCS stand for in football?
What Is FCS Football?
Since its founding, it has undergone significant development and transformation throughout the course of the past few decades.
In 1981, the playoffs consisted of a total of eight different teams. One year later, there were a total of twelve different teams participating. This number continued to increase, reaching 16 in 1986, and remained at that level until 2010, when it was increased to 20 teams. In addition, the location of the championship has shifted to Frisco, Texas, where it has remained up to the present time.
In 2013, the number of teams that participated in the competition increased to 24, which is also the current format.
It is, in essence, regarded as the second tier of college football.
The NCAA divided the Division I football program into two in 1978. The NCAA came up with the Division I-A and Division I-AA names as an original move. The NCAA chose to rebrand them FBS and FCS in 2006, although their titles persisted up until that point. The FCS wants the FBS (stands for Football Bowl Subdivision). As of the 2022 season, the FCS is sponsored by the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and will have 130 teams in 15 conferences.
When Did the FCS Start?
Since its formation in 1978, the Football Title Subdivision (FCS) has followed its regular season with a postseason playoff that culminates in the awarding of an NCAA-sanctioned national championship. From a total of four teams in 1978 to a total of twenty-four teams at the end of the 2020 season, the playoff bracket has more than doubled in size. Because of this, the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) is now the highest level of college football that has a national championship that is sanctioned by the NCAA.
Difference between FBS and FCS
Football in Division I of the NCAA is split into two different divisions, in contrast to the other NCAA sports. Since 1978, when Division I-A and Division I-AA were both established, it has been broken up into multiple sections.
Since the year 2006, people have been referring to such areas by a different names. The higher level, which is now known as FBS, was once known as Division I-A. In the meantime, the lower level of competition, Division I-AA, was renamed the FCS (which stands for Football Championship Subdivision).
The number of full scholarships that players are allowed to provide (63 for FCS and 85 for FBS) and the format of the postseason are two of the most significant variations between these two levels.
The national champion of the FCS is determined at the end of each season by a playoff with a single elimination format featuring all 24 teams, whereas the national champion of the FBS is determined by a playoff with only 4 teams. The FCS Playoff is organized by the NCAA, but the NCAA does not arrange the FBS Playoff, and as a result, the NCAA does not formally recognize the FBS Playoff champions.
This is the most important fact to understand about this situation. (According to page 112 of the 2020 FBS Records, they “assign” that responsibility to a group that they call “major selectors.”) The Bowl Subdivision name comes from the abundance of bowl games that are played in the FBS, hence the name. At this time, there is just one bowl game for the FCS, and it is called the Celebration Bowl. It is played between the winners of the MEAC and the SWAC.
- FCS teams have participated in the tournament’s single-elimination format. Since 2013, twenty-four teams have participated in this competition.
- FBS schools are now competing for a spot in the four-team College Soccer Qualifiers, with the postseason-eligible team that does not make the cut competing in the 1-off bowl game.
FAQs
How Many FCS Football Teams Are There?
The highest level of college football in the United States is played in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the NCAA. This level was formerly known as Division I-A. The Football Bowl Subdivision is comprised of the collegiate football program from the nation’s most prestigious universities (NCAA). As of the 2022 season, the FBS is comprised of 131 schools across 10 conferences.
Which is higher FBS or FCS?
It was formerly known as Division I-AA from the years 1978 to 2005 and currently stands for Football Championship Subdivision. The manner in which a champion is selected is the primary distinction between the FBS and the FCS. The College Football Playoff is comprised of the four best teams from the FBS, while the FCS playoff for the NCAA Division I Football Championship has 24 teams.
What does FCS stand for?
Football Championship Subdivision
The upper level of competition, known as Division I-A, was renamed the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), while the lower level of competition, known as Division I-AA, was renamed the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
When Did FCS Begin?
Since its formation in 1978, the Football Title Subdivision (FCS) has followed its regular season with a postseason playoff that culminates in the awarding of an NCAA-sanctioned national championship. From a total of four teams in 1978 to a total of twenty-four teams at the end of the 2020 season, the playoff bracket has more than doubled in size. Because of this, the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) is now the highest level of college football that has a national championship that is sanctioned by the NCAA.
How Does a Team Get Into FCS Playoffs?
The top eight teams in the field for the championship, which consists of 24 teams total, are seeded and earn byes in the first round. The geographical closeness of the players on each team is taken into consideration while matching them.
What Factors Does the Selection Committee Consider in The Process?
The committee may evaluate each team’s comparative statistics, which may include:
FCS Coach Poll
Head-to-head record
Input from the regional advisory committee
Record against the FBS opponents
Record against common opponents
Record against Division I opponents
Record overall
NCAA SRS Data
Record against opponents from the other AQ conference
Final Thoughts
Your question, “What does FCS mean in football?” should now be easier to answer.
If you made it this far, I hope you found the article useful. Don’t forget to check out our other helpful features on American football, the NBA, and soccer!
As always, I appreciate you taking the time to read this.
