Football | December 18, 2024

PRINCETON, N.J. – Following a year-long process initiated by the Ivy League's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the Ivy League Council of Presidents has approved a proposal to participate in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs beginning next season.
 
"The Ivy League prides itself on a storied tradition of impact, influence and competitive success throughout the history of college football. We now look ahead to a new chapter of success and to further enhancing the student-athlete experience with our participation in the NCAA FCS playoffs," said Ivy League Executive Director Robin Harris. "I want to commend the students on our SAAC for their thoughtful and thorough proposal as well as their commitment to the league's legislative process."
 
The Ivy League SAAC is comprised of 17 student-athletes from all eight institutions, competing in a total of 12 different sports. The mission of the student-athlete run committee is to advocate for student-athlete well-being and to foster a positive student-athlete experience.
 
"It's a monumental day in the Ivy League and a special day to be an Ivy League student-athlete," said Mason Shipp, a senior football student-athlete at Yale who serves as the Ivy League SAAC chair and penned the proposal. "Thank you to the Presidents for listening and responding to the voices of your students. For the future generations that are fortunate enough to represent the Ivy League in the FCS playoffs, go win us some hardware!"
 
"I am thrilled to be a part of the inclusion of Ivy League football in the FCS playoffs," said Leah Carey, a senior softball student-athlete at Brown who serves as the Ivy League's national Division I SAAC representative. "A huge thank you to everyone at the Ivy League office and the Presidents for making this milestone possible. I can't wait to see the next student-athletes competing at the highest level."
 
Instrumental in the foundation and growth of college football, the Ivy League's role as a leader and innovator in the sport has continued through the present day. Stemming from the league's ongoing overall review of concussions, launched in 2010, the Ivy League has pioneered numerous measures to enhance the safety of the game. Two prominent modifications include the elimination of live to-the-ground tackling during regular season practices and moving the kickoff up to the 40-yard line in league games, which has resulted in an increase in touchbacks and a reduction in concussion injuries.
 
The Ivy League's history of competitive success has also persisted to the present day. In 12 of the past 14 seasons, the Ivy League has posted a non-conference winning percentage of .500 or higher. Since 2017, the league is collectively 119-49 (.708).  That success has translated to the next level both on the field and in front offices. More than 20 Ivies from all eight institutions earned roster spots on NFL teams. An Ivy alum in the NFL has won the Super Bowl in 10 of the last 12 seasons.
 
The 2024 season culminated with Columbia, Dartmouth and Harvard earning a share of the Ivy League title. Over the next several months, the league will develop tiebreakers to determine how its automatic qualifier will be awarded when there are co-champions in the future.

What Penn is saying...
"I could not be more excited about the Ivy League presidents' decision to allow our programs to compete in the FCS playoffs beginning with the 2025 season. For the first time in nearly seven decades, our student-athletes will have the opportunity to compete for a national championship, a monumental step forward for the Ivy League. This vote is not only a significant moment for our conference but also for Penn—the football program and the University, giving us a chance to showcase our talent on a national stage. Being a part of the postseason will tremendously impact our student-athletes, providing them with an experience that will shape their careers and help them grow both on and off the field." - Ray Priore, the George A. Munger Head Coach of Football.

"I'm thrilled that Ivy League teams will now be eligible for the FCS Football Championship. Our league has always been committed to the voice of the student-athletes and I'm especially appreciative of the Ivy League Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for their thoughtful and thorough proposal. I am excited for our student-athletes, coaches, alumni and fans as we bring the league's long tradition of success to the national playoffs." - Alanna Wren, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W'69 Director of Athletics and Recreation