Press Release: Major Shifts in FCS Football Conferences Ahead of 2025
The landscape of Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) football is undergoing a seismic shift as numerous teams and conferences prepare for significant changes starting in 2025. As several schools transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and others move down to Division III, the implications for the FCS playoffs and conference alignments are substantial.
Teams Transitioning Upward:
Starting in 2022, James Madison is making waves as it officially joins the Sun Belt from the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The trend continues with schools like Sam Houston and Jacksonville State moving to Conference USA in 2023, and Kennesaw State and Missouri State set to follow suit in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Delaware will also transition to FBS, further altering the FCS competitive landscape.
Teams Moving Downward:
In a notable downward shift, Saint Francis (PA) will drop to Division III in 2026, joining the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.
New FCS Program Additions:
Several institutions are moving into the FCS, including Texas A&M-Commerce from Division II to the Southland Conference in 2026, and Lindenwood, which will join the Ohio Valley Conference.
Conference Realignment Highlights:
Exciting conference realignments are expected as Richmond, William & Mary, and Villanova will depart the CAA for the Patriot League, enhancing competition in the FCS. Additionally, the ASUN and WAC will merge to form a new football-only conference in 2023, responding to challenges maintaining automatic playoff qualifications due to reduced team numbers.
The upcoming changes promise to inject fresh energy into the FCS, creating new rivalries while challenging existing structures. As these transitions unfold, fans and stakeholders alike eagerly anticipate the future of the sport.
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