The NCAA Football video game series, a beloved franchise by EA Sports, has been a cornerstone for college football fans, offering an immersive experience of managing teams, recruiting players, and taking your team to victory. However, one area that has often left fans wishing for more is the representation of the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) teams.

What Are FCS Teams?

The Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), formerly known as Division I-AA, is one of the two levels of NCAA Division I football. FCS teams are often smaller schools compared to their FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) counterparts, with programs that may not receive as much national attention but are still highly competitive in their own right.

Some notable FCS programs include:

• North Dakota State (dominant in FCS championships)
• James Madison University
• Montana Grizzlies
• South Dakota State
• Southern Illinois

While the FCS is home to several great programs, these teams have historically not been a major focus in the NCAA Football video games, which have mostly centered around FBS teams.

FCS Teams in the NCAA Football Video Games Series

The absence of FCS teams in the early NCAA Football titles was something that many players noticed. EA Sports, the developer behind the franchise, focused largely on FBS teams, the higher-profile schools that competed in bowl games and playoffs. However, there were a few instances where FCS teams were included in the game.

NCAA Football 2014

NCAA Football 2014 was the last installment of the series before it was discontinued. It was a game beloved by many and, surprisingly, included a limited number of FCS teams in a specific mode called the Teambuilder. Teambuilder allowed players to create their own teams, including FCS schools, and then compete in the game’s various modes. While FCS teams weren’t included in the main game modes (such as Dynasty or Road to Glory), this was the first time that fans could really incorporate smaller programs into their experience.

NCAA Football 2011

NCAA Football 2011 offered a “Teambuilder” feature, but its support for FCS teams was minimal. The game allowed players to create teams, but it didn’t allow for full FCS team representation as part of the regular rosters. However, some users and community mods managed to create FCS teams and import them into their own saved games.

NCAA Football 2010 and Earlier

Earlier iterations of NCAA Football, such as NCAA Football 2010, did not feature any FCS teams by default. Players could, however, download or create FCS teams using mods or custom rosters, but this was a community-driven effort rather than an official feature of the game.

Varsity high school football video game

Varsity High School Football is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC. The game will bring high school football to life with exciting gameplay and features. Stay tuned for more updates and footage leading up to its release in 2024.

Varsity Football Video Game 

Released in 2014 by EA Sports, Varsity Football focuses on high school football, letting players manage and play through seasons and tournaments. It features customizable rosters, team strategies, and control over individual players. While not as popular as NCAA or Madden NFL, it appeals to fans of high school sports and grassroots football.

Why Were FCS Teams Absent from NCAA Football?

Excluding FCS teams feels like a missed opportunity. Fans of these programs should have the chance to see their teams in the game, just as much as the bigger FBS programs. The Kibbie Dome, The Inferno, and the Fargodome are iconic places that should be part of the experience.

FCS teams were absent from NCAA Football mainly due to licensing and resources. EA Sports focused on securing deals with FBS schools, which had larger fan bases and more prominent bowl games. The gameplay also centered on FBS teams, which were more recognized by the public. Additionally, including FCS teams would have required complex balancing to match the competitiveness of FBS programs.

ncaa football 11 video game auburn qb​

In NCAA Football 11, Auburn quarterback Cam Newton shines with a standout performance, leading his team to a 34-24 victory over Arkansas. Newton passes for 230 yards and rushes for 108, accounting for two touchdowns in a thrilling game. The second half saw 37 points scored, showcasing the explosive offensive play between the teams. Newton’s dynamic performance keeps his Heisman hopes alive.