Pete Thamel, senior college sports specialist
In a dramatic change, Ivy League football teams will now be able to compete for the FCS national championship.
Beginning with the 2025 season, Ivy League teams will be able to play in the FCS postseason league.
The genesis of the change to Ivy League play in the FCS playoffs was a proposal from Ivy League student-athletes. The league’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) proposal was approved Tuesday by a vote of the Ivy League Presidents’ Council.
“The Ivy League has a proud tradition of influence, influence and competitive success throughout the history of college football. We now look forward to a new chapter filled with success and continuing to enhance the student-athlete experience through our participation in the NCAA FCS Playoffs,” Ivy League Executive Director Robin Harris said in a statement. “I want to commend our SAAC students for their thoughtful and thorough proposal, as well as their involvement in the league’s legislative process.”
Football seemed to be the only sport in which Ivy League teams could not compete for the NCAA national championship. The league has long since ended its season with the end of the regular season. The Ivy League confirmed to the NCAA that the league winner will receive an automatic bid to the FCS playoffs beginning in 2025.
The 2024 season ended with Columbia, Dartmouth and Harvard winning a share of the Ivy League title. Over the next few months, the league will develop tie-breaking procedures to determine how automatic qualification will be awarded when co-champions are determined in the future.
