The NCAA Division II football playoffs begin with first-round action on Saturday, Nov. 23.
Three undefeated teams — Kutztown, Valdosta State, and Charleston (WV) — will vie to finish off a perfect season. Only Charleston is in action this weekend, with the other two schools earning first-round byes as a No. 1 seed.
Another No. 1 seed, Ferris State, is aiming to win its third championship in the last four seasons. The Bulldogs won the title in 2021 and 2022.
Harding, which won the championship in 2023, begins its quest for back-to-back titles on Saturday against No. 3 Pittsburg State.
The Sporting News has all the details on the 2024 Division II football playoffs, including a complete schedule with live stream information.
How to watch NCAA D2 football playoffs
All first, second, and quarterfinal round games of the 2024 Division II football playoffs will air live on ESPN+.
The championship game will be broadcast on national TV, with ESPN2 having coverage.
Fans can stream the 2024 Division II football championship game live with Fubo, which offers a free trial.
For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99, a $30 savings. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
NCAA D2 football playoffs bracket 2024
The initial bracket is below. The final four teams will be reseeded after the quarterfinals.
The #D2FB bracket is here! 🚨
— NCAA Division II (@NCAADII) November 17, 2024
📰 https://t.co/U7GvfA1vho#MakeItYours pic.twitter.com/WtYyA2NoMR
NCAA D2 football playoffs 2024 schedule, scores
First Round
First- and second-round matchups will be hosted by the higher seeds. The four No. 1 seeds earned a first-round bye.
Saturday, Nov. 23
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| No. 4 Miles 14, Carson-Newman 13 | — | — |
| Minnesota State 20, No. 4 Augustana (SD) 19 | — | — |
| No. 3 California (PA) 30, East Stroudsburg 27 | — | — |
| Ashland 40, No. 2 Charleston (WV) 38 | — | — |
| No. 2 Grand Valley State 24, UIndy 7 | — | — |
| No. 4 Slippery Rock 14, New Haven 7 | — | — |
| Virginia Union 34, No. 2 Wingate 31 (OT) | — | — |
| Bemidji State 24, No. 3 Angelo State 14 | — | — |
| No. 4 Central Oklahoma vs. Ouachita Baptist | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Harding 48, No. 3 Pittsburg State 3 | — | — |
| Lenoir-Rhyne 37, No. 3 West Alabama 34 | — | — |
| No. 2 Western Colorado vs. Central Washington | 3 p.m. | ESPN+ |
Byes: Kutztown, Valdosta State, Ferris State, CSU Pueblo
Second Round
Saturday, Nov. 30
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| No. 1 Kutztown vs. No. 4 Slippery Rock | TBD | ESPN+ |
| No. 3 California (PA) vs. Ashland | TBD | ESPN+ |
| No. 1 Valdosta State vs. No. 4 Miles | TBD | ESPN+ |
| Virginia Union vs. Lenoir-Rhyne | TBD | ESPN+ |
| No. 1 Ferris State vs. Central Okla./Ouachita Baptist | TBD | ESPN+ |
| No. 2 Grand Valley State vs. Harding | TBD | ESPN+ |
| No. 1 CSU Pueblo vs. Minnesota State | TBD | ESPN+ |
| Western Colo./Central Wash. vs. Bemidji State | TBD | ESPN+ |
D2 football playoffs round-by-round schedule 2024
| Round | Dates |
|---|---|
| First round | Nov. 23 |
| Second round | Nov. 30 |
| Quarterfinals | Dec. 7 |
| Semifinals | Dec. 14 |
| Final | Dec. 21 |
NCAA D2 football champions list
The last 10 Division II football champions are listed below.
| Year | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Harding | Colorado School of Mines |
| 2022 | Ferris State | Colorado School of Mines |
| 2021 | Ferris State | Valdosta State |
| 2019 | West Florida | Minnesota State |
| 2018 | Valdosta State | Ferris State |
| 2017 | Texas A&M-Commerce | West Florida |
| 2016 | Northwest Missouri State | North Alabama |
| 2015 | Northwest Missouri State | Shepherd |
| 2014 | Colorado State-Pueblo | Minnesota State-Mankato |
| 2013 | Northwest Missouri State | Lenoir-Rhyne |
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