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Ivy League joining playoff mix

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.

“I’m excited for our players, the Dartmouth football program, and the Ivy League to have the opportunity to compete in the FCS playoffs,” Dartmouth coach Sammy McCorkle said. “I look forward to our League showcasing its talent and appreciate all of the effort made by the Ivy League Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the Ivy League office, athletic directors and presidents – especially Sian Beilock and Mike Harrity – in making this a reality for all of us.”

“I am excited for this historic opportunity and further supporting our students striving for excellence in the classroom and on the football field,” said Mike Harrity, Dartmouth’s director of athletics and recreation. “The tradition of intense competition within the Ivy League will only be elevated by this opportunity to participate in the FCS playoffs, and we’re excited to bring our league’s tradition of success to the national stage. We are grateful for the work of the student-athlete leaders across the league who developed a thoughtful and principle-based proposal for the presidents to consider.”

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!”

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.

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