FBS stands for "Football Bowl Subdivision" in college football. It is the highest level of college football in the United States, representing the most elite and competitive teams within NCAA Division I football
. Key points about FBS:
- It was formerly known as Division I-A from 1978 to 2006
- FBS schools participate in postseason bowl games, including the College Football Playoff, rather than a large tournament-style playoff
- The subdivision includes about 130-134 teams across 10 conferences, including the major Power Four conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12
- FBS programs can offer up to 85 full scholarships to players, attracting top-tier athletes
- It differs from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), which has a playoff system to determine its champion, whereas FBS uses bowl games and rankings
In summary, FBS is the top tier of college football competition in the U.S., known for its high level of play, significant resources, and major bowl game postseason structure