INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA Division II Football Committee has officially revealed the competitive lineup of 28 teams for the highly anticipated 2024 NCAA Division II Football Championship, igniting excitement among fans and players nationwide.
Twelve thrilling first-round games are set to take place on the familiar turf of the participating institutions, showcasing a fierce battle among top contenders. Each super region will see one fortunate team receive a coveted first-round bye, allowing them additional time to prepare for the upcoming challenges. All teams that secure victory in the first round will advance to the second round, where they will face off on the home fields of the competing teams. As the competition heats up, second-round winners will then progress to the quarterfinals, hosted at various campus sites. The stakes rise further as quarterfinal victors earn their spot in the semifinals, also hosted on campus grounds. The selection process includes seven teams from each super region that collectively shape the competitive landscape of this year’s championship.
The first-round dates, sites and pairings are:
November 23 at Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
New Haven (8-2) at Slippery Rock (9-1)
November 23 at Charleston, West Virginia
Ashland (8-3) at Charleston (West Virginia) (11-0)
November 23 at California, Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg (10-1) at California (PA) (8-2)
November 23 at Fairfield, Alabama
Carson-Newman (9-2) at Miles (9-2)
November 23 at Wingate, North Carolina
Virginia Union (8-3) at Wingate (9-1)
November 23 at Livingston, Alabama
Lenoir-Rhyne (9-2) at West Alabama (9-1)
November 23 at Edmond, Oklahoma
Ouachita Baptist (10-1) at Central Oklahoma (10-1)
November 23 at Allendale, Michigan
Indianapolis (10-1) at Grand Valley State (10-1)
November 23 at Pittsburg, Kansas
Harding (10-1) at Pittsburg State (8-2)
November 23 at Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Minnesota State Mankato (8-3) at Augustana (South Dakota) (8-3)
November 23 at Gunnison, Colorado
Central Washington (8-3) at Western Colorado University (10-1)
November 23 at San Angelo, Texas
Bemidji State (8-3) at Angelo State (9-2)
The following institutions earned first-round byes in each super region and will host a second-round game on November 30, 2024.
- Super Region One: 1. Kutztown (11-0)
- Super Region Two: 1. Valdosta State (10-0)
- Super Region Three: 1. Ferris State (10-1)
- Super Region Four: 1. Colorado State University-Pueblo (10-1)
All contests shall start at 1 p.m. local time. Other times may be established if approved by the committee.
Harding displayed dominance last season as they triumphed over Colorado School of Mines with a commanding score of 38-7, securing the NCAA national championship title.
The championship game is scheduled for December 21, at 2 p.m. Eastern time, to be held at the impressive McKinney ISD Stadium in McKinney, Texas, with the thrilling contest set to be broadcast live on ESPN2 HD.
Super Region One | Super Region Two | Super Region Three | Super Region Four
How does the committee view the importance of home-field advantage in the early rounds of the playoffs?
**Interview with NCAA Division II Football Committee Chair, Sarah Jenkins**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. The announcement of the 2024 NCAA Division II Football Championship lineup has sparked significant excitement among fans and players. What is the overall sentiment from the committee regarding this year’s lineup?
**Sarah Jenkins:** Thank you for having me! We’re incredibly excited about this year’s championship lineup. The competitive balance in NCAA Division II football is at an all-time high, and we’ve seen some outstanding performances throughout the regular season. This year’s 28-team field presents a mix of seasoned teams and emerging programs, which will make for some thrilling matchups.
**Editor:** Speaking of matchups, twelve first-round games are set. Can you discuss some of the standout games and what fans should look forward to?
**Sarah Jenkins:** Absolutely! There are several exciting matchups worth highlighting. For instance, the game between Indianapolis and Grand Valley State stands out, with both teams boasting a strong 10-1 record. Additionally, the showdown between Ashland and Charleston, with Charleston coming in undefeated, promises to be a nail-biter. Each game has its unique storylines, and I encourage fans to engage with their local teams as they chase their championship dreams.
**Editor:** The selection process includes seven teams from each super region. Can you explain how this process works and its significance?
**Sarah Jenkins:** The selection process is designed to ensure that the best teams are represented in the championship. We evaluate teams based on their performance during the season, including wins, losses, and strength of schedule. Each super region’s champions earn automatic bids, while at-large bids fill the remaining spots based on performance metrics. This systematic approach guarantees a diverse and competitive field, which enhances the championship’s integrity.
**Editor:** A notable aspect of the championship is the home-field advantage during early rounds. How do you believe this affects the teams competing?
**Sarah Jenkins:** Home-field advantage is a crucial factor in the early rounds, as teams are familiar with their turf, and they often have the support of their home crowd. This can provide a significant psychological boost. However, every team in the tournament is prepared for the challenge, and they know that anything can happen in the playoffs. We’ll see how this plays out in the matchups!
**Editor:** what message do you have for fans and players as we approach the start of the championship?
**Sarah Jenkins:** I want to express my appreciation for the passion and dedication of our players, coaches, and fans. This championship is a celebration of hard work and talent at the Division II level. I encourage everyone to get out, support their teams, and enjoy this thrilling tournament. It’s shaping up to be a remarkable postseason, and we can’t wait to see how it unfolds!
**Editor:** Thank you, Sarah, for sharing these insights. We look forward to an exciting championship season!
**Sarah Jenkins:** Thank you for having me! Let the games begin!