College Football Criteria: The Basics Every Fan Should Know

Thinking about college football can feel like a maze of acronyms and rules. What makes a school FCS instead of FBS? How does a team earn a spot in the playoffs? Let’s break down the most important criteria so you can follow the season without getting lost.

Understanding the Subdivisions

The NCAA splits Division I football into two parts: the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). FBS schools are the big‑name programs you see on national TV, with larger budgets and up to 85 scholarships. FCS schools are smaller, often regional, and they get 63 scholarships that can be split among more players.

Why does this matter? The split decides which postseason format a team follows. FBS uses the bowl system and the College Football Playoff (CFP), while FCS runs a 24‑team single‑elimination championship. Knowing the subdivision tells you what kind of schedule, media coverage, and competition level to expect.

Playoff and Eligibility Rules

The CFP is the crown jewel for FBS. Right now, only four teams make the playoff, chosen by a committee based on record, strength of schedule, and overall performance. Some fans push for expansion—adding six or eight teams would let more schools compete and keep more fan bases engaged. The idea is simple: more games, more excitement, and a better chance for mid‑major programs to shine.

FCS, on the other hand, already has a structured playoff. Teams qualify by winning their conference or earning an at‑large bid based on ranking. The key criteria here are conference championships, win‑loss record, and sometimes regional considerations.

Eligibility isn’t just about wins. The NCAA enforces academic standards: athletes must maintain a minimum GPA and make progress toward a degree. Schools also have limits on practice hours and must follow recruiting rules. If a player falls short, they can lose a season of eligibility, which can impact a team’s depth and playoff chances.

Another practical factor is age and fantasy involvement. Most fantasy football platforms require participants to be at least 13 years old. While this isn’t a college rule, it shapes the fan experience and how younger supporters engage with the sport.

Scholarship limits also shape team composition. FBS schools can offer up to 85 full scholarships, often concentrating talent in a few marquee positions. FCS programs, with fewer full scholarships, tend to spread aid across more players, leading to a deeper but less star‑heavy roster.

Finally, schedule strength plays a huge role in rankings. Playing against top‑rated opponents—and winning—boosts a team’s résumé. Upset victories over powerhouse programs can catapult a mid‑tier school into CFP conversation, especially if the committee values “quality wins.”

Putting it all together, the main college football criteria you should track are subdivision status, playoff format, academic eligibility, scholarship limits, and schedule strength. Keep an eye on these and you’ll understand why certain teams rise to the top while others stay in the background.

Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or a casual observer, knowing these basics makes the season more enjoyable. The next time you hear talk about expanding the CFP or a surprise FCS upset, you’ll have the context to join the conversation confidently.