2024 FCS Playoffs: First-Round Schedule, Matchups, and TV Information

The 2024 FCS playoffs are set to kick off on Saturday, November 30, with an eight-game slate of first-round matches. This marks the beginning of a five-week journey to the FCS Championship Game, which will be held in Frisco, Texas, on January 6, 2025.

Eight teams have received a first-round bye, including the two-time defending champions, South Dakota State. The remaining 16 teams will compete in the first round. Here are some of the key matchups:

Central Connecticut State will face 10th-seeded Rhode Island at Meade Stadium in Kingston, Rhode Island, at 12:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Rhode Island, making its first playoff appearance since 1985, will be without starting quarterback Devin Farrell, with Hunter Helms stepping in. Central Connecticut State has been strong in forcing turnovers, leading all playoff teams in turnover rate.

New Hampshire will host UT Martin at Wildcat Stadium in Durham, New Hampshire, at 1:00 PM ET on ESPN+. New Hampshire is making its second playoff appearance in the past three years and is led by quarterback Seth Morgan and wide receiver Logan Tomlinson. UT Martin from the Big South-OVC will look to capitalize on their 8-4 season.

Richmond, on a 10-game winning streak, will face Lehigh at E. Claiborne Robins Stadium in Richmond, Virginia, at 2:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Richmond is making its third straight playoff appearance and is led by quarterback Cam Coleman and running back Zach Palmer-Smith. Lehigh, the Patriot League champion, aims to continue its strong season.

Villanova will host Eastern Kentucky at Villanova Stadium in Villanova, Pennsylvania, at 2:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Villanova, which advanced to the quarterfinals in 2021 and 2023, is led by quarterback Connor Watkins and running back David Avit. Eastern Kentucky from the United Athletic Conference looks to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Other notable matchups include Drake vs. Tarleton State, Southeast Missouri State vs. Illinois State, and UT Martin vs. New Hampshire. The second round will take place on December 7, with quarterfinals on December 13-14, semifinals on December 21, and the championship game on January 6, 2025.

All first- and second-round games can be streamed live on ESPN+, while the quarterfinals will air on ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNU, and the semifinals will be broadcast on ABC. The FCS Championship Game will air live on ESPN.