How Many D1 Football Teams Are There In The United States?

Discover the total number of Division 1 football teams in the USA, broken down by FBS and FCS subdivisions. Learn about conferences, scholarships, and how CAUHOI2025.UK.COM can help you navigate college football. Get the answers you need to understand the landscape of D1 football!

1. Understanding Division 1 Football: FBS and FCS

In the landscape of college athletics, Division 1 (D1) football represents the pinnacle of competition. Within D1, teams are further categorized into two subdivisions: the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Each subdivision has its own set of rules, scholarship limitations, and competitive landscape. Understanding the difference between FBS and FCS is crucial to grasping the structure of college football. Let’s delve into each category to clarify their distinct characteristics.

1.1. Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)

FBS, which stands for Football Bowl Subdivision, represents the highest level of college football in the United States. Often considered the most elite tier, FBS programs attract significant media attention, generate substantial revenue, and offer the largest number of scholarships.

Scholarships: FBS programs are permitted to offer a maximum of 85 full-ride scholarships to their players. This generous scholarship allowance enables FBS teams to recruit top-tier talent from across the country and build highly competitive rosters.
Recruiting: Because of the allure of full-ride scholarships and national exposure, FBS programs typically attract the most sought-after recruits, including five-star and four-star athletes. These high-caliber players often possess exceptional athletic abilities and a strong desire to compete at the highest level.
Conferences: FBS is comprised of 11 major conferences, including the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), American Athletic Conference, Big 12, Big Ten, Conference USA (C-USA), Mid-American Conference (MAC), Mountain West Conference, Pac-12 (currently undergoing significant changes), Southeastern Conference (SEC), and Sun Belt Conference. These conferences are known for their intense rivalries, passionate fan bases, and high level of competition.

FBS teams compete for coveted bowl game invitations, culminating in a four-team playoff to determine the national champion. The College Football Playoff (CFP) has revolutionized the sport, providing an exciting and high-stakes conclusion to the season.

1.2. Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)

FCS, which stands for Football Championship Subdivision, is the second tier of Division 1 college football. While not as widely recognized as FBS, FCS programs still offer a high level of competition and provide opportunities for talented student-athletes.

Scholarships: FCS programs have a scholarship limit of 63, which they can distribute as full or partial scholarships. This flexibility allows FCS coaches to manage their resources effectively and tailor scholarship packages to individual players.
Recruiting: FCS programs also attract talented athletes, including five-star and four-star recruits. These athletes may choose FCS for various reasons, such as a better fit with the program’s culture, a desire for more immediate playing time, or a preference for a smaller school environment.
Conferences: FCS is made up of 14 conferences, including the Big Sky, Big South, Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), Ivy League, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Missouri Valley Football Conference, Northeast Conference, Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), Patriot League, Pioneer Football League, Southern Conference, Southland Conference, and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). These conferences represent a diverse range of institutions, from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to prestigious academic institutions.

FCS teams compete in a 24-team playoff for the NCAA Division 1 Football Championship. This playoff format provides FCS programs with a chance to showcase their talent on a national stage and compete for a national title.

2. Exact Numbers: How Many Division 1 Football Teams Are There?

So, how many Division 1 football teams are there in the United States? As of the latest count, there are a total of 261 Division 1 football programs. This total is broken down into:

133 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams
128 Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) teams

These teams represent colleges and universities from across the nation, each with their unique history, traditions, and aspirations. This number may slightly vary year to year due to conference realignments and new programs being established.

3. List of Division 1 Football Teams

Here is a partial list of Division 1 football teams, showcasing the diversity across the USA:

School	City and State	Conference	Division
Abilene Christian University	Abilene, Texas	Western Athletic Conference	FCS
Alabama A&M University	Normal, Alabama	Southwestern Athletic Conference	FCS
Alabama State University	Montgomery, Alabama	Southwestern Athletic Conference	FCS
Alcorn State University	Alcorn State, Mississippi	Southwestern Athletic Conference	FCS
Appalachian State University	Boone, North Carolina	Sun Belt Conference	FBS
Arizona State University	Tempe, Arizona	Big 12 Conference	FBS
Arkansas State University	Jonesboro, Arkansas	Sun Belt Conference	FBS
Auburn University	Auburn, Alabama	Southeastern Conference	FBS
Austin Peay State University	Clarksville, Tennessee	Atlantic Sun Conference	FCS
Ball State University	Muncie, Indiana	Mid-American Conference	FBS
Baylor University	Waco, Texas	Big 12 Conference	FBS
Bethune-Cookman University	Daytona Beach, Florida	Southwestern Athletic Conference	FCS
Boise State University	Boise, Idaho	Mountain West Conference	FBS
Boston College	Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts	Atlantic Coast Conference	FBS
Bowling Green State University	Bowling Green, Ohio	Mid-American Conference	FBS
Brigham Young University	Provo, Utah	Big 12 Conference	FBS
Brown University	Providence, Rhode Island	Ivy League	FCS
Bryant University	Smithfield, Rhode Island	American East Conference	FCS
Bucknell University	Lewisburg, Pennsylvania	Patriot League	FCS
Butler University	Indianapolis, Indiana	Big East Conference	FCS
California Polytechnic State University – SLO	San Luis Obispo, California	Big Sky Conference	FCS
California State University – Fresno	Fresno, California	Mountain West Conference	FBS
California State University – Sacramento	Sacramento, California	Big Sky Conference	FCS

This is just a small sample of the many Division 1 football programs across the United States.

4. Conferences in Division 1 Football

The conferences within Division 1 football play a vital role in structuring competition, setting rules, and fostering rivalries. Each conference has its own unique identity and traditions, contributing to the rich tapestry of college football. Below is an exploration of the conferences in both FBS and FCS.

4.1. Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Conferences

The FBS is comprised of the most prominent conferences in college football, often referred to as the “Power Five” (though this term is becoming outdated due to conference realignment) and the “Group of Five.” Here’s a brief overview:

Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC): Known for its strong basketball programs, the ACC also boasts competitive football teams like Clemson, Florida State, and the University of North Carolina. The ACC spans the East Coast and has a tradition of producing high-caliber athletes.
American Athletic Conference (AAC): The American Athletic Conference is a dynamic conference with teams from various regions. Programs like Tulane University, Memphis, and East Carolina University compete fiercely for conference supremacy and national recognition.
Big 12 Conference: The Big 12 is comprised of schools primarily in the Midwest and Southwest, including powerhouses like the University of Texas, University of Oklahoma, and Kansas State University. Known for high-scoring offenses and passionate fan bases.
Big Ten Conference: Predominantly featuring schools from the Midwest, the Big Ten is one of the oldest and most prestigious conferences in college football. Teams like Ohio State University, University of Michigan, and University of Wisconsin draw massive crowds and consistently compete for national championships.
Conference USA (C-USA): Conference USA includes schools from the South and Midwest, such as Western Kentucky University, Middle Tennessee State University, and Louisiana Tech University. This conference is known for its competitive balance and rising programs.
Mid-American Conference (MAC): The MAC is primarily composed of schools in the Midwest, including institutions like Northern Illinois University, Miami University (Ohio), and the University of Toledo. The MAC is known for its exciting offenses and competitive rivalries.
Mountain West Conference: The Mountain West features schools primarily in the Western United States, including Boise State University, San Diego State University, and the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV). The conference is known for its scenic locations and competitive football programs.
Pac-12 Conference (Future Uncertain): Historically featuring schools from the West Coast, including the University of Southern California (USC), University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA), and University of Oregon. However, recent realignments have significantly altered the conference’s composition, leaving its future uncertain.
Southeastern Conference (SEC): The SEC is widely regarded as the premier conference in college football, featuring perennial powerhouses like the University of Alabama, University of Georgia, and Louisiana State University (LSU). Known for its intense rivalries, passionate fan bases, and dominant performances on the national stage.
Sun Belt Conference: The Sun Belt includes schools from the South, such as Coastal Carolina University, Appalachian State University, and the University of South Alabama. This conference has been on the rise in recent years, with several teams achieving national recognition.
Independents: A small number of FBS teams operate as independents, not affiliated with any particular conference.

4.2. Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Conferences

The FCS features a diverse array of conferences, each with its unique character and competitive landscape:

Big Sky Conference: Located in the Western United States, the Big Sky Conference includes schools like Montana State University, University of Montana, and Weber State University. Known for its strong tradition of football excellence and scenic campus locations.
Big South Conference: Featuring schools in the Southeast, the Big South Conference includes institutions like Gardner-Webb University, Charleston Southern University, and Presbyterian College. This conference has been steadily growing in competitiveness.
Coastal Athletic Association (CAA): Located primarily in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, the CAA includes schools like James Madison University, University of Delaware, and Villanova University. Known for its strong academic institutions and competitive athletic programs.
Ivy League: Comprising prestigious universities in the Northeast, the Ivy League includes institutions like Harvard University, Yale University, and Princeton University. The Ivy League emphasizes academic excellence and a commitment to amateur athletics.
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC): The MEAC is composed of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, including schools like Howard University, North Carolina A&T State University, and South Carolina State University. The MEAC has a rich tradition of football excellence and cultural significance.
Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC): Located in the Midwest, the MVFC includes schools like North Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, and Southern Illinois University. Known for its strong tradition of football excellence and competitive rivalries.
Northeast Conference: Featuring schools in the Northeast, the Northeast Conference includes institutions like Sacred Heart University, Saint Francis University, and Wagner College. This conference emphasizes academic achievement and a commitment to student-athlete development.
Ohio Valley Conference (OVC): The OVC includes schools in the Southeast and Midwest, such as Eastern Illinois University, Southeast Missouri State University, and Tennessee State University. Known for its competitive balance and rising football programs.
Patriot League: Comprising academically prestigious institutions in the Northeast, the Patriot League includes schools like Colgate University, Lehigh University, and Bucknell University. The Patriot League emphasizes academic excellence and a commitment to the scholar-athlete model.
Pioneer Football League: A non-scholarship conference, the Pioneer Football League includes schools from across the country, such as Davidson College, Drake University, and the University of San Diego. The Pioneer Football League emphasizes a commitment to the values of amateur athletics and academic achievement.
Southern Conference: Featuring schools in the Southeast, the Southern Conference includes institutions like Furman University, Wofford College, and the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Known for its strong tradition of football excellence and competitive rivalries.
Southland Conference: Located in the South, the Southland Conference includes schools like Southeastern Louisiana University, Nicholls State University, and McNeese State University. This conference is known for its competitive balance and rising football programs.
Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC): The SWAC is composed of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the South, including schools like Jackson State University, Southern University, and Grambling State University. The SWAC has a rich tradition of football excellence and cultural significance.
United Athletic Conference: Consists of schools located in the South, formed after the ASUN–WAC partnership disbanded.

5. The Rigorous Life of a Division 1 Football Player

Being a Division 1 football player is a demanding and time-consuming commitment, often likened to a full-time job. Student-athletes in D1 programs face intense pressure to balance their athletic responsibilities with their academic pursuits.

5.1. Demands on Time and Energy

D1 football players spend countless hours each week on football-related activities, including:

Practices: Daily practices can last for several hours, involving physical conditioning, skill development, and team strategy sessions.
Meetings: Film study sessions, team meetings, and individual meetings with coaches consume a significant amount of time.
Weight Training: Strength and conditioning programs are essential for D1 football players to maintain their physical edge.
Travel: Away games require extensive travel, often involving long bus rides or flights, which can disrupt sleep patterns and academic schedules.

5.2. Academic Challenges

Balancing rigorous athletic demands with academic coursework presents a significant challenge for D1 football players. They must:

Maintain Eligibility: NCAA rules require student-athletes to maintain a minimum GPA and complete a certain number of credit hours each semester to remain eligible to compete.
Manage Time Effectively: D1 football players must be highly organized and disciplined to manage their time effectively, balancing classes, study sessions, practices, and other commitments.
Seek Academic Support: Many universities offer academic support services to student-athletes, including tutoring, study skills workshops, and academic advising.

5.3. Mental and Physical Toll

The intense pressure and physical demands of D1 football can take a toll on student-athletes’ mental and physical health:

Risk of Injury: Football is a contact sport, and D1 players face a high risk of injury, ranging from minor sprains and strains to serious concussions and ligament tears.
Stress and Anxiety: The pressure to perform at a high level, maintain academic eligibility, and manage a demanding schedule can lead to stress and anxiety.
Burnout: The constant demands of D1 football can lead to burnout, characterized by exhaustion, cynicism, and a diminished sense of accomplishment.

Despite these challenges, many student-athletes find the experience of playing D1 football to be incredibly rewarding. It provides opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and lifelong friendships.

6. Division 1 Football Rankings: How to Evaluate Programs

Navigating the landscape of Division 1 football can be overwhelming, especially when trying to determine which programs are the best fit for a student-athlete. Rankings provide a valuable tool for evaluating programs based on various factors, including on-field performance, academic reputation, and overall institutional quality.

6.1. NCAA Rankings

The NCAA publishes official rankings for both FBS and FCS football teams. These rankings are based on various factors, including win-loss record, strength of schedule, and performance against ranked opponents. The NCAA rankings provide a comprehensive overview of the top teams in each division. You can find the latest rankings on the NCAA website:

6.2. NCSA Power Rankings

NCSA (Next College Student Athlete) has developed Power Rankings that analyze data such as cost, academics, size, and location to rank the top D1 football schools. These rankings offer a more holistic view of programs, considering factors beyond on-field performance. The NCSA Power Rankings can be a valuable resource for student-athletes looking for a well-rounded college experience.

6.3. Other Ranking Systems

In addition to the NCAA and NCSA rankings, several other organizations and media outlets publish college football rankings, including:

Associated Press (AP) Poll: A weekly poll of sportswriters that reflects their opinions on the top teams in the country.
Coaches Poll: A weekly poll of college football coaches that provides insights into how coaches view the landscape of the sport.
College Football Playoff (CFP) Rankings: The CFP selection committee releases its own rankings during the season, which ultimately determine the teams that will compete in the College Football Playoff.

6.4. Evaluating Programs Beyond Rankings

While rankings can be helpful, it’s essential to evaluate programs based on individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as:

Academic Programs: Ensure the university offers a strong academic program in your area of interest.
Campus Culture: Visit the campus and get a feel for the overall atmosphere and student life.
Coaching Staff: Research the coaching staff and their track record of developing players.
Location: Consider the location of the university and its proximity to your home.
Financial Aid: Explore financial aid options and the overall cost of attendance.

7. Resources at CAUHOI2025.UK.COM

At CAUHOI2025.UK.COM, we understand the complexities of navigating the world of college football. Our mission is to provide clear, concise, and reliable information to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re a student-athlete dreaming of playing at the D1 level or a parent seeking guidance on the recruiting process, we’re here to support you.

7.1. Comprehensive Information

CAUHOI2025.UK.COM offers a wide range of resources related to Division 1 football, including:

Detailed Program Profiles: Access in-depth profiles of D1 football programs, including information on coaching staff, facilities, academic programs, and recruiting trends.
Scholarship Information: Learn about scholarship opportunities for D1 football players and how to maximize your chances of earning a scholarship.
Recruiting Guides: Get step-by-step guidance on the recruiting process, from creating a highlight reel to communicating with coaches.
Expert Advice: Benefit from the insights of experienced coaches, recruiters, and former D1 players.

7.2. Addressing Your Challenges

We recognize the challenges that families face when navigating the college football landscape:

Information Overload: The vast amount of information available can be overwhelming. We curate and present the most relevant information in a clear and accessible format.
Finding Reliable Sources: It can be difficult to determine which sources are trustworthy. We rely on credible sources, including NCAA data, university websites, and expert interviews.
Time Constraints: Families often have limited time to research programs and navigate the recruiting process. We provide efficient tools and resources to help you make the most of your time.

7.3. Personalized Support

In addition to our online resources, CAUHOI2025.UK.COM offers personalized support to student-athletes and their families:

Q&A Platform: Ask your specific questions about D1 football and receive answers from our team of experts.
Contact Us: Reach out to us directly via our website at CAUHOI2025.UK.COM for assistance.
- Address: Equitable Life Building, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10004, USA
- Phone: +1 (800) 555-0199

8. FAQ: Common Questions About Division 1 Football

Here are some frequently asked questions about Division 1 football:

What is the difference between FBS and FCS?
- FBS teams can offer more scholarships (85) than FCS teams (63). FBS also competes for national championship via bowl games and a playoff, while FCS has a 24-team playoff.
How do I get recruited to play D1 football?
- Start by creating a highlight reel, contacting coaches, and attending camps and showcases. Academic performance is also crucial.
What are the academic requirements for D1 eligibility?
- You must meet NCAA academic standards, including minimum GPA and standardized test scores.
How many years of eligibility do D1 football players have?
- Typically, players have five years to complete four seasons of competition.
Can I transfer from one D1 school to another?
- Yes, but transfer rules may require you to sit out a year before becoming eligible.
What is the role of conferences in D1 football?
- Conferences set rules, schedule games, and determine champions. They also negotiate media deals and distribute revenue.
How important are rankings in evaluating D1 football programs?
- Rankings can be helpful, but it’s important to consider individual needs and preferences beyond rankings.
What is the typical daily schedule of a D1 football player?
- A typical day involves early morning workouts, classes, practices, meetings, and study sessions.
What are the risks of playing D1 football?
- Risks include injuries, stress, anxiety, and burnout.
Where can I find more information about D1 football programs?
- Visit CAUHOI2025.UK.COM for comprehensive information and resources.

9. Conclusion: Your Path to Understanding D1 Football

Understanding the intricacies of Division 1 football, from the number of teams to the demanding lifestyle of its athletes, can be a complex task. However, with the right resources and information, you can navigate this landscape with confidence. Whether you’re a student-athlete, a parent, or simply a fan, CAUHOI2025.UK.COM is here to guide you.

We’ve explored the key aspects of D1 football, including the differences between FBS and FCS, the role of conferences, and the challenges and rewards of playing at this level. Remember that success in college football requires dedication, hard work, and a strong support system.

Ready to take the next step? Visit CauHoi2025.UK.COM today to explore our comprehensive resources, ask your questions, and connect with our team of experts. Let us help you unlock the world of Division 1 football and achieve your goals!