The NCAA has announced a significant expansion of the Division II football playoffs from 28 to 32 teams for the upcoming season. This change accommodates a new format that awards automatic bids to all 16 conferences, thereby enhancing representation. The need for bracket expansion arises from a policy that mandates changes when automatic qualifiers exceed over half of the playoff teams. Previously, Division II football was unique among team sports, lacking automatic qualification. The playoff schedule remains unchanged, except for eliminating first-round byes for the four No. 1 seeds, aiming to enhance competitiveness in the playoffs.
The NCAA Division II football playoffs will expand from 28 to 32 teams, ensuring that all 16 conferences receive automatic bids to the championship.
This expansion follows Division II policy, which mandates bracket changes when automatic qualifiers exceed 50% of the playoff field, making changes necessary.
With the new format, all conferences will be represented in the championship bracket, addressing the previous lack of automatic qualifications in Div II football.
The playoff schedule remains the same; however, the four No. 1 seeds will no longer enjoy first-round byes, increasing competition from the start.
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