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2w ago

Ivy League Makes FCS Playoff Debut as Harvard and Yale Open on the Road

The conference begins postseason play under self-imposed limits designed to protect academics, player health.

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Harvard quarterback Jaden Craig fends off the tackle attempt of Yale defensive back Brandon Webster during the first half at Yale Bowl on Nov. 22, 2025 in New Haven, Conn.

Overview

  • Yale secured the automatic bid by defeating Harvard, while the Crimson earned an at-large berth after an otherwise unbeaten regular season.
  • First-round games are Saturday, Nov. 29: Yale visits No. 15 Youngstown State as an underdog, and Harvard travels to No. 12 Villanova as a slight favorite.
  • This marks the league’s first football postseason since its 1954 founding, enabled by last year’s vote by the eight university presidents.
  • The Ivy model remains in place with a later season start, a 10-game schedule, practice caps, no opt-in to NCAA revenue sharing, and NIL deals requiring department sign-off above $2,000.
  • Ivy executive director Robin Harris says the goal is to show teams can succeed nationally under this measured approach, as Harvard prepares for Villanova’s run-heavy offense with captain Ty Bartrum expected to play.