If you've been following college football and wondering what those three letters mean, you're not alone.

FCS stands for Football Championship Subdivision, one of two subdivisions within NCAA Division I college football.

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The other is the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), home to programs such as Alabama, Ohio State, and Texas.

But the biggest difference between the two isn't necessarily the talent on the field. It's how they determine a national champion.

What's The Difference Between FCS And FBS Football?

Both subdivisions compete at the NCAA Division I level, but their championship formats differ.

FBS teams compete for a national championship through the 12-team College Football Playoff.

FCS teams compete in a 24-team NCAA playoff bracket, with conference champions earning automatic bids and additional teams selected at large.

And while FBS teams often dominate national television coverage, the FCS features plenty of established programs, passionate rivalries and NFL-caliber talent.

How Many FCS Football Teams Are There?

The 2026 FCS season features approximately 128 programs across 13 conferences, including the Big Sky, Missouri Valley Football Conference and CAA Football (Coastal Athletic Association).

Programs such as Montana State, South Dakota State, and Montana have helped build the subdivision's national reputation.

What Conferences Are In FCS Football?

There are 13 FCS football conferences in 2026, featuring 128 teams across the subdivision, including independent programs.

Here are all 13 conferences:

• Big Sky Conference
• Coastal Athletic Association (CAA)
• Ivy League
• Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)
• Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC)
• Northeast Conference (NEC)
• Ohio Valley Conference (OVC)
• Patriot League
• Pioneer Football League
• Southern Conference (SoCon)
• Southland Conference
• Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
• United Athletic Conference (UAC)

Some FCS teams compete independently without belonging to a football conference.

When Are The 2026 FCS Football Playoffs?

The 2026 FCS playoff bracket will be announced Sunday, Nov. 22, with the 24-team tournament concluding at the national championship game on Jan. 11, 2027, in Nashville, Tenn.

How Can I Watch College Football On FloCollege In 2026?

Fans can stream select FCS, Division II and Division III college football games live and on demand through FloCollege.

Visit the FloFootball schedule for upcoming matchups and streaming information.

What College Football Games Are On FloCollege?

FloCollege carries football games from conferences across the country, featuring ranked teams, conference rivalries and postseason contenders.

Check the FloFootball events page for the latest schedule.

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