For 48 years, the FCS has existed alongside the FBS as a subdivision of D1 college football. FBS and FCS teams play each other every year, and FCS teams are eligible to be ranked in the weekly AP Poll.

So what’s the difference between the FCS and FBS?

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Football is football, but there are differences in the way the subdivisions are structured and funded. Teams are able to make the jump from FCS to FBS or drop back down, but the move comes with other factors.

Here’s everything football fans need to know about the distinction between FCS and FBS.

The Playoffs Look Completely Different

The College Football Playoffs are arguably the largest topic of discussion every college football season. Arguments over which teams deserve to make it and how big the playoffs really should be lead to changes in the playoff structure almost yearly.

The FCS Playoffs are formatted completely differently, and have more structure. The field is 24 teams, and with the exception of a temporary change during the pandemic, the field hasn’t faced expansion in over 13 seasons.

In the FCS Playoffs, the top eight teams receive a first round bye. The nine through 16 seeds play each other, with the higher seeds having a home-field advantage. The winners of the first round matchup advance to play on the road. Every game is hosted as the home site of the higher seed with the exception of the championship game at a neutral site.

Differences In Funding

Why would a team like North Dakota State, who had dominated at the FCS level, make the choice to move up to the FBS?

The answer is money.

TV deals for FBS conferences give advantages to FBS teams. More money means better facilities, better recruiting budgets and an advanced commitment to football. But is it always worth it?

Teams have moved from the FCS to the FBS level, only to find the grass wasn’t always greener on the other side. 

Idaho moved from the WAC to the FBS in 2013, only to go 19-41 in five seasons and drop back down to the FCS level.

While the differences in funding being in the national spotlight exist, schools feel the differences between competing at the FCS and FBS level.

Notable FCS vs FBS Upsets In History

Those differences in funding and national support doesn’t mean that every FCS team is dominated on the field against FBS opponents. Every college football season, there’s multiple FBS squads who lose to an FCS program.

Here are some notable FCS over FBS upsets throughout history:

• Sept. 4, 2021: Montana 13, No. 20 Washington 7
• Sept. 11, 2021 : Jacksonville State 20, Florida State 17
• Sept. 17, 2016: North Dakota State 23, No. 13 Iowa 21
• Sept. 11, 2010: James Madison 21, No. 13 Virginia Tech 16
• Sept. 1, 2007: Appalachian State 34, No. 5 Michigan 32

Has An FCS Team Ever Been Ranked In The AP Top 25?

No, an FCS team has never been ranked, but there’s been some close calls.

In 2007, when Appalachian State defeated No. 5 Michigan in the "Big House," the Mountaineers became the first FCS team to receive votes in the AP poll.

When North Dakota State defeated No. 13 Iowa in 2016, the Bison received 74 votes in the AP Poll, effectively being ranked as the No. 27 team in the country as an FCS school. They continued to receive votes until week 7, when they lost to South Dakota State.

Which FCS Team Has The Most Wins Over FBS Teams?

Youngstown State has the most wins over FBS programs, with 21 wins. They last defeated Pitt 31-17 in 2012.

Another crazy fact: From 2010-2022, North Dakota State was undefeated against FBS teams. The Bison went 6-0 with wins over Kansas State, Iowa, Minnesota, among other power programs.

FCS Over FBS Wins In The 2026 Football Season

• Sept. 5 – Tarleton 20, Bowling Green 13
• Sept. 5 – The Citadel 43, Charlotte 41 (3OT)
• Sept. 5 – Idaho State 29, Utah State 17
• Sept. 12 – Illinois State 28, Northern Illinois 24
• Sept. 12 – Montana State 20, Nevada 7

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