There are 130 NCAA Division 1 football teams.
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As an expert in the field of NCAA Division 1 football, I can confidently answer the question: there are 130 NCAA Division 1 football teams. This number includes both the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), which consists of 130 teams, and the smaller Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
One of the main governing bodies of college football, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), classifies football teams into different divisions based on their size, resources, and competitiveness. NCAA Division 1 is the highest level of college football and is known for its intense competition, passionate fans, and highly skilled athletes.
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic, here are some interesting facts about NCAA Division 1 football:
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Rich history: College football has a rich and storied history, with the first game believed to have been played on November 6, 1869, between Rutgers University and the College of New Jersey (now known as Princeton University). Since then, the sport has evolved into a widely popular and highly competitive venture.
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FBS and FCS differentiation: The NCAA Division 1 is further divided into two subdivisions: the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The FBS is home to the largest and most prominent programs, often referred to as “major college football” teams. The FCS, on the other hand, encompasses smaller universities and has slightly different regulations regarding scholarships and postseason play.
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Geographical diversity: The NCAA Division 1 football teams are spread across the United States, representing universities from various regions. From the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between, college football captures the attention and loyalty of fans nationwide.
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Popular conferences: The 130 teams are organized into several conferences that compete against each other throughout the season. Some of the notable conferences in NCAA Division 1 football include the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big Ten Conference, Big 12 Conference, and Pac-12 Conference, among others.
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Exciting rivalries: College football is renowned for its passionate rivalries between historic programs. Fierce matchups like Ohio State vs. Michigan, Alabama vs. Auburn, and USC vs. UCLA often capture the attention of the entire nation and spark tremendous enthusiasm among fans and alumni.
In conclusion, NCAA Division 1 football consists of 130 teams, offering a thrilling and diverse mix of college football talent across the United States. From historic rivalries to memorable moments, this sport continues to captivate fans with its unique blend of tradition, skill, and passion.
Here is a table showcasing the conferences and the number of teams they comprise in NCAA Division 1 football:
| Conference | Number of Teams |
|---|---|
| Southeastern (SEC) | 14 |
| Atlantic Coast (ACC) | 15 |
| Big Ten | 14 |
| Big 12 | 10 |
| Pac-12 | 12 |
| American Athletic | 11 |
| Conference USA | 14 |
| Mid-American (MAC) | 12 |
| Mountain West | 12 |
| Sun Belt | 10 |
| Southwestern (SWAC) | 10 |
| Big Sky | 13 |
| Colonial Athletic | 12 |
| Ivy League | 8 |
| Missouri Valley | 10 |
| Southern | 10 |
Remember, this table presents only a snapshot of the conferences and their team numbers, as they can evolve over time due to various factors.
Watch a video on the subject
This video provides a comparison of the three NCAA divisions: Division One (D1), Division Two (D2), and Division Three (D3). D1 has around 350 schools, while D2 has 312 schools, and D3 has 435 schools. D3 is the most expensive and academically-focused division, with no athletic scholarships, and schools mostly being private. D2 usually gives nine full scholarships, but the average scholarship for a player is around $3,000 a year, and it mostly consists of public schools. The video encourages students to keep in mind all opportunities, not just those in Division 1 and provides links to official NCAA websites with more information.
See further online responses
133 schoolsThis is a list of the 133 schools in the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the United States.
There are 254 Division 1 football teams. Division 1 football is divided into two subdivisions: FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) and FCS (Football Championship Subdivision). FBS has 129 teams and FCS has 125 teams. FBS teams compete for the College Football Playoff and bowl games, while FCS teams compete for the NCAA Division 1 Football Championship.
The Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), formerly known as Division I-AA, consists of 130 teams as of the 2022 season, with all participating in one of 14 conferences. The "I-AA" designation was dropped by the NCAA in 2006, although it is still informally and commonly used.
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This is a list of schools in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) that play football in the United States as a varsity sport and are members of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), known as Division I-AA from 1978 through 2005. There are 128 FCS programs in the 2023 season.
NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision/Teams