Trinity (Conn.), or some conference champion, will be able to accept a NESCAC football automatic bid in 2026.  Trinity athletics file photo

The NESCAC presidents have approved a proposal from the conference athletic directors to allow NESCAC football teams to participate in the NCAA Division III playoffs effective in fall 2026.

The schools of the New England Small College Athletic Conference have been prohibited from playing in the Division III football postseason for the entirety of the 51 seasons that the D-III playoff has existed. Only when the Ivy League decided to allow its football teams into the Division I FCS playoffs did the NESCAC follow suit.

"I am pleased to share this information with our football student-athletes, coaches, and administrators,” said NESCAC Executive Director Andrea Savage. “The conference has had positive experiences participating in postseason play, and we are pleased that football teams will have the opportunity to participate in the NCAA Championships and share in this experience as well.”  

NESCAC will maintain a nine-game football schedule, solely against fellow conference schools. The team that finishes at the top of the standings (after any tiebreakers are applied, if necessary) will earn the NESCAC’s automatic berth to the NCAA Division III football playoffs. In addition, the conference clarified that teams will be eligible for at-large bids if awarded.

"This marks an incredible day for equity across athletics," said the NESCAC Football Players Association, in a statement released on social media. "While we would have loved for this change to impact the upcoming senior class, we are excited to have the opportunity to help football in the NESCAC move forward and compete on a national stage."