NJCAA Football implements divisions and playoff system
Charlotte, NC – The NJCAA has announced changes to the structure of football in the association that will create increased opportunities for the sport to flourish at the two-year level. These changes include the creation of Division I and Division III, implementation of a Division I national championship playoff system, addition of a Division III national championship, and separate division rankings. Currently, NJCAA Football is a non-divisional sport with over 40 participating teams across the association.
"Two divisions of football within the association increases the availability of competition for our student-athletes while issuing fair matchups throughout the season," stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President & CEO. "The NJCAA prides itself in providing a premiere educational and athletic experience to our student-athletes in addition to an opportunity to play at the next level."
The addition of Division I and Division III football was voted on at the June NJCAA Board of Regents meeting and passed to best support and serve the student-athletes competing.
"The NJCAA Football Committee has the student-athletes' best interest at the forefront of every decision," said Jake Ripple, NJCAA Football Committee Chair. "I look forward to seeing the positive impact of newly created divisions and playoffs as our student-athletes experience competitive play like no other."
The newly implemented playoff system for Division I Football will feature three premiere football games. In the semifinal round, the No. 1 ranked team in the final poll of the regular season will host the No. 4 ranked team while the No. 3 ranked team will face-off against the No. 2 ranked team on their home field. The winner of each matchup advance to the NJCAA Division I Football Championship which will be held at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, AR through 2023.
The NJCAA Division III Football Championship will be held at the College of DuPage, in Glen Ellyn, IL, where the Red Grange Bowl game has been hosted since 2016.
During the regular season, the NJCAA will recognize separate rankings for each division. The top-15 teams in Division I will be recognized each week while Division III will rank the top-5 teams. More information regarding each division's championship will be released in the coming months.
