Ivy League To Begin Participating in the NCAA Division I FCS Playoffs Starting With 2025 Season

PRINCETON, N.J. – Following a year-long process initiated by the Ivy League's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the Ivy League Council of Presidents has approved a proposal to participate in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs beginning next season.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

""I'm excited for our players, the Dartmouth football program, and the Ivy League to have the opportunity to compete in the FCS playoffs. I look forward to our league showcasing its talent and appreciate all of the effort made by the Ivy League Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the Ivy League office, Athletic Directors and Presidents – especially Sian Beilock and Mike Harrity – in making this a reality for all of us."

— Sammy McCorkle, Robert L. Blackman Head Football Coach

"I am excited for this historic opportunity and further supporting our students striving for excellence in the classroom and on the football field. The tradition of intense competition within the Ivy League will only be elevated by this opportunity to participate in the FCS playoffs, and we're excited to bring our league's tradition of success to the national stage. We are grateful for the work of the student-athlete leaders across the league who developed a thoughtful and principle-based proposal for the presidents to consider."

— Mike Harrity, Haldeman Family Director of Athletics and Recreation

"It's been a long time coming. This news is huge for the Ivy League. This is not only huge for the Ivy League, but also the FCS and college football as a whole. I recently joined the Student Athletic Advisory Council last year, and was put on the Ivy League Football Committee which spearheaded this proposal. Many of us football players in the league were hopeful in getting this passed, and I could not be more happy with the news! Can't wait for Dartmouth to put the country on notice next year!"

— Jackson Proctor, Graduating Senior QB and member of the Ivy League Football Committee

"Our whole team is very excited about the news. The opportunity to play in the postseason is something we've all had our sights on since coming to Dartmouth. It's a great chance for the whole league to show what we are capable of and I couldn't be more excited about being a part of this new chapter of our program and what is to come!"

- Delby Lemieux, Junior Offensive Lineman

"The Ivy League prides itself on a storied tradition of impact, influence and competitive success throughout the history of college football. We now look ahead to a new chapter of success and to further enhancing the student-athlete experience with our participation in the NCAA FCS playoffs," said Ivy League Executive Director Robin Harris. "I want to commend the students on our SAAC for their thoughtful and thorough proposal as well as their commitment to the league's legislative process."

The Ivy League SAAC is comprised of 17 student-athletes from all eight institutions, competing in a total of 12 different sports. The mission of the student-athlete run committee is to advocate for student-athlete well-being and to foster a positive student-athlete experience.

"It's a monumental day in the Ivy League and a special day to be an Ivy League student-athlete," said Mason Shipp, a senior football student-athlete at Yale who serves as the Ivy League SAAC chair and penned the proposal. "Thank you to the Presidents for listening and responding to the voices of your students. For the future generations that are fortunate enough to represent the Ivy League in the FCS playoffs, go win us some hardware!"

"I am thrilled to be a part of the inclusion of Ivy League football in the FCS playoffs," said Leah Carey, a senior softball student-athlete at Brown who serves as the Ivy League's national Division I SAAC representative. "A huge thank you to everyone at the Ivy League office and the Presidents for making this milestone possible. I can't wait to see the next student-athletes competing at the highest level."

Instrumental in the foundation and growth of college football, the Ivy League's role as a leader and innovator in the sport has continued through the present day. Stemming from the league's ongoing overall review of concussions, launched in 2010, the Ivy League has pioneered numerous measures to enhance the safety of the game. Two prominent modifications include the elimination of live to-the-ground tackling during regular season practices and moving the kickoff up to the 40-yard line in league games, which has resulted in an increase in touchbacks and a reduction in concussion injuries.

The Ivy League's history of competitive success has also persisted to the present day. In 12 of the past 14 seasons, the Ivy League has posted a non-conference winning percentage of .500 or higher. Since 2017, the league is collectively 119-49 (.708). That success has translated to the next level both on the field and in front offices. More than 20 Ivies from all eight institutions earned roster spots on NFL teams. An Ivy alum in the NFL has won the Super Bowl in 10 of the last 12 seasons.

The 2024 season culminated with Columbia, Dartmouth and Harvard earning a share of the Ivy League title. Over the next several months, the league will develop tiebreakers to determine how its automatic qualifier will be awarded when there are co-champions in the future.

Dartmouth football fans can get a jump on the 2025 season by securing their season tickets for next fall when the Big Green attempt to defend their Ivy League title and win their fifth conference crown in six seasons. A $25 deposit guarantees the account holder a season ticket for the 2025 campaign. To purchase more than one season ticket, simply provide a $25 deposit for each seat desired.

Fans who were season ticket holders during the 2024 campaign can lock in their current seats as well by providing the $25 deposit for each season ticket. New season ticket holders will receive communication in the spring of 2025 to determine seat location and finalize their order. The deposit will be applied to the total cost of the season tickets, breaking up the payment.

To place your deposit today, visit the Dartmouth Athletics Ticket Office website or call 603-646-2466.

A new chapter to a storied tradition is here. 🌿🏈 pic.twitter.com/Mkrpug5JzO
— Ivy League (@IvyLeague) December 18, 2024

Schedules