The Missouri Valley Football Conference puts its stronghold being the toughest conference in FCS football.

Five teams, including South Dakota State, Southern Illinois, North Dakota, Missouri State and North Dakota State are in the field of sixteen.

The Jackrabbits are the overall number one seed, followed by Sam Houston State, James Madison and Jacksonville State.

First round games include:

Holy Cross vs South Dakota State

Southern Illinois vs Weber State

Sacred Heart vs Delaware

Davidson vs Jacksonville State

VMI vs James Madison

Missouri State vs North Dakota

Eastern Washington vs North Dakota State

Monmouth vs Sam Houston State