FCS Playoff Odds 2025: Predictions, Best Bet & Sleeper Pick for the 24-Team Field

As the FCS playoffs get underway, 23 programs will be looking to end a dynasty as North Dakota State attempts to win its second straight title, and its 10th since 2011, but with the Bison being the overwhelming betting favorite by the FCS playoff odds, it would take a colossal upset to end the season of Tim Polasek's team.

Perennial FCS powers Montana State and Montana, both of whom have lost in the FCS Championship Game in the last two seasons, look like the biggest threats to NDSU, especially with the fall off of South Dakota State this season. However, I have my eye on a team from the Lone Star State as a sleeper FCS playoff odds bet capable of being the team to put down the Bison. 

📊 FCS playoff odds 2025

FCS championship odds based on the best odds from our college football betting sites.

🏆 Best bet to win the FCS championship

🦬 North Dakota State (-330)

I hate to say it, but North Dakota State is the best bet to win the FCS championship ... even at this painstakingly short price. While a $10 winning bet on the Bison only pays a $3.03 profit, it's because this is by far the best team in the FCS. 

Polasek led NDSU to a championship in his first season at the helm last year, doing it as a 10-2 No. 2 seed entering the FCS playoffs. This year's team is even better, heading into the playoffs as the top team in the FCS with a 12-0 record. The Bison have trampled pretty much every team they've faced this season, beating 10 of 12 teams by at least 17 points (they beat Youngstown State by eight and North Dakota by five).

Quarterback Cole Payton is one of the best dual-threats in the country, and wide receiver Bryce Lance, Trey's younger brother, is a future pro thanks to his big-play ability. The defense is just as good as the offense, too, allowing the fewest yards per game (237.6) and points per game in the FCS (11.67).

The Bison's average margin of victory in the regular season was 30.5 points, and they even beat down South Dakota State 38-7 in Brookings. This is a hard bet to make given the odds, but NDSU is ranked No. 1 in the FCS by SP+ for a reason.

Heck, this team is ranked higher by SP+ (No. 41) than multiple Power Four teams that have been ranked in the top 25 this season - Cincinnati (No. 42), Houston (No. 43), and Arizona State (No. 47). 

💤 Best sleeper pick to win the FCS championship

🐴 Tarleton State (+1500)

Montana looked like it may have the juice to take down North Dakota State, and then the Brawl of the Wild happened, and Montana State went into Missoula and mauled the Grizzlies to pull off the road upset. However, I'm weary of backing the Bobcats with Montana State head coach Brent Vigen rumored to be considering FBS openings.

And while both Big Sky powers have been constants in the FCS playoffs, combining to lose to NDSU and SDSU in the FCS Championship Game in three of the last four seasons, I'm taking a program with the offensive firepower to scare any team in the postseason.

Tarleton State just put together its best season since making the jump from D-II to FCS under long-time head coach Todd Whitten. The Texans lead the country in PPG (45.2) behind Walter Payton Award finalist Victor Gabalis, who's eighth in the FCS in passing TDs (25).

Whitten's squad also has an opportunistic defense led by Kaysus Kurns, who's No. 2 in the country in interceptions (5), and pass rushers Angelo Anderson and Yasir Holmes, who've combined for 17.5 sacks.

Tarleton State is the second-highest ranked FCS team by SP+, and even has an FBS win under its belt this season after beating Army on the road in double OT. If the Texans can go on a run and be the David to NDSU's Goliath, a $10 bet pays a $150 profit.

❓ FCS playoff FAQs

Who is the favorite to win the FCS championship?

North Dakota State is the favorite to win the FCS championship. The Bison's odds (-330) imply a 76.74% probability that they'll repeat as FCS champions.

When do the FCS playoffs start?

The FCS playoffs begin with the first round on Saturday, Nov. 29. The second round is set for Saturday, Dec. 6; the quarterfinals are Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13; the semifinals are Saturday, Dec. 20; and the FCS Championship Game is Monday, Jan. 5.

Who's in the FCS playoffs?

There are 24 teams in the FCS playoffs. They are:

• North Dakota State
• Montana State
• Montana
• Tarleton State
• Lehigh
• Mercer
• Stephen F. Austin
• UC Davis
• Rhode Island
• Abilene Christian
• South Dakota
• Villanova
• Tennessee Tech
• South Dakota State
• Youngstown State
• Southeastern Louisiana
• Illinois State
• Yale
• New Hampshire
• North Dakota
• Harvard
• Drake
• Lamar
• Central Connecticut State

How do the FCS playoffs work?

The FCS playoffs use a 24-team bracket, with the top four seeds receiving first round byes. The playoffs are four rounds leading up to the FCS championship.

When is the FCS Championship Game?

The FCS Championship Game is Monday, Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Where is the FCS Championship Game?

The FCS Championship Game is at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., on Monday, Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)