The Road to Nashville: FCS Semifinal Preview

Read Time:2 Minute, 27 Second

The 2025 FCS playoffs have reached their penultimate stage, and the bracket has been blown wide open. After a seismic quarterfinal weekend that saw the top-seeded defending champion North Dakota State Bison fall to Illinois State, the chase for the national title in Nashville is down to four teams.

This Saturday, December 20, 2025, features a legendary rivalry in the Big Sky and a battle of momentum in the East.

The Brawl of the Wild: Part II

#3 Montana Grizzlies vs. #2 Montana State Bobcats

Kickoff: 4:00 PM ET | TV: ABC
Location: Bobcat Stadium | Bozeman, MT

For the first time in history, the fiercest rivalry in FCS football—the “Brawl of the Wild”—will take place in the national semifinals. This is a rematch of the regular-season finale, where Montana State edged out the Griz, but the stakes have never been higher.

The Bobcats’ Momentum: Unbeaten at home and led by quarterback Justin Lamson, Montana State features the nation’s most relentless rushing attack. They dominated Idaho in the quarterfinals and look to use the Bozeman crowd to clinch their first title berth since 2021.
Griz Power: Montana arrives in Bozeman fresh off a clinical victory over South Dakota. Running back Eli Gillman (1,396 yards, 19 TDs) is the engine of the offense, but the X-factor is wideout Larenzo Fenner, who has set a program record for receiving touchdowns this season.
The Matchup: It’s strength vs. strength. Montana State’s disciplined, top-3-ranked defense will be tasked with containing a Montana offense that has averaged over 40 points per game during this playoff run.

The Cinderella vs. The Seed

Illinois State Redbirds vs. #12 Villanova Wildcats

Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET | TV: ESPN2
Location: Villanova Stadium | Villanova, PA

In the other half of the bracket, the “Giant Killers” from the Missouri Valley face a Villanova team that has quietly navigated a chaotic postseason.

Redbird Rising: Illinois State is the story of the tournament. After stunning #1 North Dakota State in Fargo—a result that shook the FCS landscape—the Redbirds are one win away from their first championship appearance since 2014. Quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse has found a new gear, utilizing the explosive Luke Mailander to punish secondaries.
Villanova’s Home Stand: As the #12 seed, Villanova has taken advantage of the upsets above them to host a semifinal. Their defense is their calling card; they rank near the top of the FCS in scoring defense and will look to frustrate an Illinois State team that has been prone to turnovers in high-pressure moments.
The Stakes: This game guarantees a newcomer to the 2025 Finals, ensuring that for the first time in years, the trophy will not be heading to the Dakotas.