NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The undefeated Christopher Newport University football team is headed to the NCAA Division III Championship for the 12th time in the 25-year history of the program. The Captains, 10-0 and Champions of the New Jersey Athletic Conference, will have a first round bye and play at home on Saturday, November 29th, at TowneBank Stadium. CNU will take on the winner of next Saturday's first round matchup between Susquehanna (8-2) and Washington & Jefferson (8-2). The 40-team NCAA football bracket was released on Sunday afternoon. 

"We are really excited to host NCAA action at TowneBank Stadium," Head Coach Paul Crowley said after watching the bracket release. "It's been a long time since we've been able to host, and I know our University community, students, and fans will continue to support us the was they have. We're really looking forward to again enjoying all that makes playing at TowneBank Stadium so special."

Crowley's squad concluded the perfect regular season on Friday night with a 27-7 road triumph at the College of New Jersey. The Captains captured their second NJAC title in the last three seasons, and will now host an NCAA game for the first time since the 2006 season.

The game on Saturday, November 29th, is expected to be a 12 noon kickoff. CNU's last playoff game came two seasons ago, and the Captains had their season come to an end with a loss at Randolph-Macon College. Christopher Newport is 3-11 all-time in NCAA action.

The Captains have already played Susquehanna this season, winning at TowneBank Stadium back on September 27th during Family Weekend, 41-27. It was the first meeting ever of the schools. CNU and Washington & Jefferson have played four times, all in the NCAA Tournament, and the Presidents have won all four meetings.

Eight games will be played next Saturday in the opening round prior to the 16 games in the round of 32 on the 29th. Games will continue on December 6th, 13th, and 20th, with the National Championship game, the Stagg Bowl, to be played in Canton, Ohio, on January 4, 2026.

Click HERE for the complete bracket.