Delaware, Missouri State granted bowl eligibility in first FBS season

There is one massive hurdle that first-year FBS teams must endure.

When transitioning from the FCS level, teams are typically barred from the postseason in their debut year. That includes conference championships and bowl games. However, there is one exception to the rule. If not enough teams qualify for bowl eligibility, any first-year FBS programs that reached six wins will be prioritized to fill the remaining spots.

The 2025 regular season officially concluded Saturday, and when the dust settled, only 80 of the 136 FBS teams sported records of 6-6 or better. With 82 bowl spots available, the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens and Missouri State Bears were the deserving benefactors to occupy the two remaining vacancies. Both first-year FBS teams qualified for six wins, and due to the lack of qualifying teams, they’ll earn the privilege of going bowling in year one — just like fellow Conference USA member Jacksonville State did in 2023.

Delaware (6-6, 4-4 CUSA) clinched its sixth win on Saturday, setting a season-high in scoring in a 61-31 home decimation of UTEP. The Blue Hens were led by quarterback Nick Minicucci, who delivered 311 passing yards and three touchdowns in the team’s most lopsided victory of 2025. Delaware can also thank its defense for the 61-point outing, as it forced six takeaways and commandingly won the turnover battle against the Miners in Newark. Head coach Ryan Carty can secure a winning season should Delaware emerge triumphant in its bowl game.

Missouri State (7-5, 5-3 CUSA) dropped its regular season finale 42-30 to Louisiana Tech, but the Bears still produced a winning record in their first FBS season. Missouri State rattled off five-straight conference wins from the start of October through the first half of November, seamlessly adapting to its new league under head coach Ryan Beard. Highlights of the Bears’ season included knocking off reigning Sun Belt champion Marshall and slipping past 7-5 FIU in Weekday CUSA.

Delaware and Missouri State will receive their bowl destinations on Sunday, Dec. 7. Including the two newcomers, seven of the CUSA’s 12 teams are bowl eligible.