As of the 2025 season, there are 134 teams in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the highest level of college football in the United States. When including all divisions—Division I (FBS and FCS), Division II, and Division III—the total number of college football teams exceeds 770 programs across over 800 institutions.
Understanding College Football Structure
College football in the U.S. is governed primarily by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which organizes teams into competitive divisions based on program size, funding, scholarships, and competition level. The three main NCAA divisions are:
- Division I: Highest level of competition; further split into FBS and FCS
- Division II: Mid-level programs with partial athletic scholarships
- Division III: Non-scholarship athletics, emphasizing academic balance
In addition to the NCAA, other organizations like the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) also sponsor college football programs.
NCAA Division I Football: FBS vs FCS
The top tier of college football is the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), home to major conferences such as the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC. These teams compete in high-profile bowl games and the College Football Playoff.
Key Differences Between FBS and FCS
- Scholarships: FBS allows up to 85 full scholarships; FCS permits 63 equivalency scholarships
- Postseason: FBS teams play in bowl games; FCS holds a 24-team playoff tournament
- Attendance Requirements: FBS requires an average of 15,000 fans over two seasons; FCS has no minimum
- Automatic Qualifiers: FCS includes automatic bids for conference champions; FBS uses a selection committee
Total Number of College Football Teams by Division
| Division | Number of Teams | Conferences | Scholarship Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCAA FBS | 134 | 10 | 85 full scholarships |
| NCAA FCS | 129 | 13 | 63 equivalency scholarships |
| NCAA Division II | 177 | 23 | 36 equivalency scholarships |
| NCAA Division III | 253 | 36 | No athletic scholarships |
| NAIA | 95 | 17 | 24 equivalency scholarships |
| NJCAA (Junior Colleges) | 189 | Multiple regions | Up to 36 per team |
The data shows that while FBS receives the most media attention, the majority of college football teams actually compete at the Division III and junior college levels. The NJCAA alone accounts for nearly 25% of all college football programs, serving as a critical development pathway for athletes aiming to transfer to four-year institutions.
Conference Realignment and Its Impact
Recent years have seen significant conference realignment, especially at the FBS level. As of 2025, major shifts include:
- University of Oklahoma and University of Texas joining the SEC
- Arizona, Arizona State, and Colorado moving to the Big 12
- UCLA and USC accelerating their move to the Big Ten
These changes affect scheduling, revenue distribution, and postseason eligibility, but do not significantly alter the overall count of FBS teams, which remains stable at 134 due to reclassifications and new additions like Jacksonville State and Sam Houston State.
How Teams Are Classified and Promoted
Teams can transition between divisions, typically from FCS to FBS, through a multi-year reclassification process. To qualify, schools must meet requirements including:
- Sponsoring a minimum of 16 varsity sports
- Playing a full FBS schedule (at least 6 home games against FBS opponents)
- Meeting attendance benchmarks
- Demonstrating financial commitment to football
Examples of recent transitions include Liberty University and Western Kentucky, both of which successfully moved to FBS and now compete in Power Five-aligned conferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About College Football Teams
How many FBS college football teams are there in 2025?
There are 134 teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) for the 2025 season, competing across 10 conferences including the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC.
What is the difference between FBS and FCS?
FBS is the highest level of college football, featuring larger budgets, full scholarships, and bowl games. FCS uses a playoff system, offers fewer scholarships (63 equivalencies), and has lower attendance requirements.
Which division has the most college football teams?
Division III has the most college football teams with 253 programs, reflecting its broad accessibility and focus on student-athlete balance without athletic scholarships.
Are there college football teams outside the NCAA?
Yes, the NAIA sponsors 95 football teams, and the NJCAA governs 189 junior college programs. These provide competitive opportunities outside the NCAA structure, often serving as talent pipelines.
How many college football teams are in the playoffs?
The FBS College Football Playoff expanded to 12 teams starting in 2024. The FCS hosts a 24-team playoff, while Division II and III each have 28-team tournaments.
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