The FBS Gridiron
Ascending College Football's Elite: A comprehensive look at the highest level of collegiate American football.
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Overview
The Pinnacle of Play
The NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) represents the apex of collegiate American football in the United States. It comprises the largest institutions within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). As of the 2025 season, the FBS includes ten conferences and 136 member institutions.
Economic Powerhouse
College football is a significant cultural and economic force, particularly in the U.S. Top FBS programs generate substantial annual revenue, often in the tens of millions of dollars. The largest stadiums in the nation, by capacity, are predominantly utilized by FBS teams.
NIL and Scholarships
Since July 1, 2021, student-athletes have been permitted to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Prior to this, compensation was limited to non-monetary benefits like athletic scholarships covering tuition, housing, and books. FBS teams are generally limited to 85 football scholarships.
Championship Structure
Unlike other NCAA divisions, the NCAA does not officially sanction a playoff tournament to determine an FBS football national champion. Historically, organizations like the Associated Press (AP) and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) have voted to crown a champion. The current College Football Playoff (CFP) system, established in 2014 and expanded in 2025, serves as the de facto championship determination mechanism.
Season Structure
The Football Calendar
The FBS season commences in late August or early September and culminates in mid-January with the College Football Playoff National Championship game. Most teams play 12 regular-season games, typically facing eight or nine conference opponents.
Conference Championships
All nine active FBS conferences conclude their regular seasons with championship games. These contests determine the conference champion, often influencing playoff and bowl game invitations.
Bowl Games and Playoff
Following conference championships, 12 teams are selected for the College Football Playoff. The top four seeds receive byes, while the remaining eight compete in first-round games. The playoff progresses through the prestigious "New Year's Six" bowls, which rotate hosting semifinal and quarterfinal matchups, culminating in the National Championship game.
Scheduling Dynamics
FBS teams schedule non-conference games against various opponents, including those from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). A win against an FCS opponent counts for bowl eligibility only if the FCS team meets specific criteria. FBS teams must schedule five home games annually, with one neutral-site game potentially counting towards this requirement.
Historical Evolution
Foundational Eras
College football's origins trace back to 1869. Key developments include Walter Camp's innovations (line of scrimmage, downs system) and the introduction of the forward pass. The first bowl game, the Rose Bowl, occurred in 1902, with annual play beginning in 1916. The NCAA (initially IAAUS) formed in 1906 to enhance player safety.
Division Structure
The NCAA restructured into three divisions in 1973. Division I-A, the precursor to FBS, was established in 1978 to provide greater autonomy for larger programs, separating them from the I-AA (now FCS) level.
Television's Impact
Early radio broadcasts began in 1921, followed by television in 1939. NCAA-controlled broadcasts in the mid-20th century were limited. The 1981 Supreme Court ruling in NCAA v. Board of Regents decentralized television rights, allowing individual schools and conferences to negotiate contracts, significantly influencing conference realignment.
Attendance Trends
FBS football consistently draws large crowds, with average attendance figures often exceeding 40,000 per game. Conference attendance varies, with the SEC and Big Ten typically leading in average attendance.
Broadcast Landscape
Radio Roots
College football's presence on radio began in 1921, laying the groundwork for broader media coverage. Early broadcasts established the sport's reach beyond the stadium.
Television Transformation
The first television broadcast occurred in 1939. The NCAA initially controlled game airings, limiting appearances. The landmark 1981 Supreme Court decision granted television rights to individual institutions, fundamentally altering the sport's financial and structural landscape and fueling conference realignment.
Network Ecosystem
Major networks (ESPN, FOX, CBS, NBC) and regional sports networks broadcast FBS games. Conferences increasingly operate their own networks (e.g., Big Ten Network, SEC Network), reflecting the sport's significant media value. Millions tune in annually, highlighting its status as a major spectator sport.
Conferences & Structure
Conference Alignments
Most FBS teams belong to one of ten conferences. These conferences are often categorized into the "Power Four" (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC) and the "Group of Five" (American, CUSA, MAC, Mountain West, Pac-12, Sun Belt). The Power Four conferences hold greater autonomy within NCAA regulations.
Membership Evolution
Conference membership has fluctuated significantly due to realignment. The number of conferences and member institutions has changed over decades, driven by media rights, competitive balance, and strategic expansion. As of 2025, there are 10 conferences and 136 teams.
Geographic Distribution
FBS teams are primarily located in the United States, with a notable concentration in certain regions like the South, Midwest, and West Coast. The distribution reflects historical conference alignments and population centers.
Individual & Coaching Accolades
Player Awards
Numerous awards recognize outstanding individual performance. The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious, honoring the nation's top player. Other key awards include the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Bednarik Award (defense), and numerous position-specific honors like the Davey O'Brien (QB) and Outland Trophy (lineman).
Coaching Recognition
Excellence in coaching is also celebrated. National awards like the AFCA Coach of the Year, Eddie Robinson Award, and AP Coach of the Year highlight outstanding leadership. Assistant coaches are recognized through awards such as the Broyles Award.
Championship Trophies
While the NCAA does not award a championship trophy, the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy is presented to the winner of the playoff final. The AP and AFCA also award national championship trophies based on their respective polls.
Financial Landscape
Conference Revenue
FBS conferences generate substantial revenue, primarily from media rights, ticket sales, and sponsorships. The Power Four conferences, in particular, report revenues exceeding $1 billion annually, distributed among member institutions.
Operational Costs
While revenue is high, FBS athletic departments also face significant expenses, including coaching salaries, facility upgrades, travel, and scholarship costs. Many departments operate at a deficit, requiring subsidies from the broader university.
Conference Realignment
Historical Shifts
The FBS landscape has been shaped by numerous conference realignments since its inception. Major shifts occurred in the 1990s (formation of Big 12), early 2000s, and significantly in the 2010s and early 2020s, driven by media deals and competitive dynamics.
Recent Upheaval
The period from 2021-2024 saw unprecedented realignment. Key moves include Oklahoma and Texas joining the SEC, major Pac-12 departures to the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC, and shifts within the American, CUSA, and Sun Belt conferences. These changes continue to reshape the competitive structure.
Future Outlook
Ongoing realignment continues, with further conference membership changes anticipated. The stability and structure of the FBS remain dynamic, influenced by media rights negotiations, playoff expansion, and institutional strategies.
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References
References
- 13 confirmed members in 2026 with loss of Texas State.
- 14 members no later than 2027 with addition of Louisiana Tech.
- Note that "Independents" is not a conference; it is simply a designation used for schools whose football programs do not play in any conference. All of these schools have conference memberships for other sports.
- Because the Pac-12 currently only has two members, it does not meet the minimum number of teams required to hold a conference championship game.
- The 2006 Sugar Bowl was played in Atlanta, Georgia.
- 38 non-playoff bowl games, plus two playoff semifinal games in New Year's Six Bowls, plus the College Football Playoff National Championship
- 35 non-playoff bowl games, plus four first-round playoff games, plus six quarterfinal and semifinal playoff games in the New Year's Six Bowls, plus the College Football Playoff National Championship
- Includes numbers for the Big East in 1993 and 2003.
- This figure includes the two conferences that were Division I-A/Division I-AA hybrids, but does not include the I-AA schools in the member count.
- Based on List of NCAA Division I FBS football programs
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This content was generated by an AI and is based on information from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The dynamic nature of college sports means details such as conference membership and regulations can change rapidly.
This is not official NCAA advice. Information provided here should not substitute consultation with official NCAA resources or athletic department representatives. Always verify critical details through official channels.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented.