2025 FCS playoff picks, best bets, predictions: Proven expert reveals predictions for first round

After a lengthy regular season, we're down to just 24 teams left in the FCS college football field, with the first round of the FCS playoff kicking off this weekend. North Dakota State won it all for the 10th time since 2011 last season, and the Bison enter the bracket with the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. South Dakota State, the 2023 champs, are the 14th seed and are in action on Saturday against New Hampshire. 

Before placing any FCS playoff bets of your own, be sure to see what SportsLine football expert Emory Hunt has to say. Hunt has looked at all eight first-round games and has shared his best bets and leans for each contest. 

Hunt is the founder and CEO of Football Gameplan, which has been supplying analysis of all levels of football since 2007. He is a former running back for the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns and knows the game from a player's perspective. Hunt's dedication to analysis of all levels of professional football helped him crush the CFL, XFL and USFL in 2023, posting a combined ATS record of 98-73 in his SportsLine articles.

So what are Emory Hunt's best bets for the first round of the FCS playoff bracket? Join SportsLine right now to see picks from an expert who is locked in to all levels of football!