The FBS Independent division was founded in 1978 and it falls under the NCAA Association. The FBS Division came into existence because some conferences were less formalized, and many programs preferred operating independently. Over the years, many top programs started their collegiate journey by competing as an Independent program before joining conferences. Teams such as Penn State, Miami, and Florida State began as Independent. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish is one of the top programs in the FBS independent division as of 2024, which capitalizes on media and broadcasting rights deals with NBC. Programs such as Army and Navy have been Independents for centuries, although the Navy recently joined the American Athletic Conference in 2015. UConn and UMass became Independents as they left their respective conferences.
FBS Independent football programs are independent of the traditional conference structures, having increased flexibility in scheduling. As of the 2024 season, there are three programs classified as FBS Independents, Notre Dame, UConn, and UMass. Of these, Notre Dame is one of the powerhouses with several decades of national success, and UConn and UMass have been focusing on building competitive programs in the Northeast region. These teams rely on regular-season performance to make them eligible for bowls and postseason opportunities since they don't have conference championships.
FBS Independent Football Rivalries
NCAA Division I FBS Independent schools are not part of any conference, which gives them flexibility in scheduling and competition. The main three programs are Notre Dame, UConn, and UMass.
UConn vs. UMass
The UConn Huskies vs UMass Minutemen rivalry is also known as the 'Battle of New England.' This rivalry features regional pride as the two programs fight for supremacy in the Northeast. As both teams are FBS Independents, this matchup provides an opportunity for building competitive histories and garnering support from local fans.
Notre Dame vs. UMass
Notre Dame Fighting Irish and UMass Minutemen first played in 2015, this rivalry is a showcase of contrasting program histories.
Notre Dame vs. UConn
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs UConn Huskies rivalry started in 2009 when UConn defeated Notre Dame in an iconic double-overtime victory.
Table of FBS Independent Football Rivalries
| Rivalry | Name | Trophy | Began In |
| UConn vs. UMass | Battle of New England | None | 2012 |
| Notre Dame vs. UMass | None | None | 2015 |
| Notre Dame vs. UConn | None | None | 2009 |
FAQs on FBS Independent Football Teams
A. FBS Independent teams are NCAA football teams not affiliated with any conference.
A. There are three FBS Independent teams, Notre Dame, UConn, and UMass.
A. Notre Dame vs. Navy, dating back to 1927.
A. UConn and UMass share regional ties and compete for New England football prominence.
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