According to Harvard Athletic Director Erin McDermott, the Ivy League is considering a proposal to allow the Ancient Eight’s football teams to play in the Football Championship Subdivision postseason. The news was first reported by the crimson.com.
The proposal was brought forth by the the Ivy League Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. It would need final approval from all of the Ivy League presidents. If approved, Ivy League football programs would be allowed to play in the FCS Playoffs for the first time since 1945.
Approval would allow Ivy League teams to compete for a national title at the FCS level. It is something that Ivy League football fans have been clamoring for. The chance to see how their schools match up nationally in the playoffs.
In order for Ivy League schools to play in the FCS playoffs, the school presidents would have to approve the plan. The athletic directors would also have to approve the plan.
The current proposal has not yet made it to the university presidents stage, according to a person familiar with the process.
It is time for the Ivy League football programs to be allowed to play in the FCS playoffs. The time is long overdue. The league winner in recent years has been more than good enough to not only play in the playoffs but even make a run.
Players and coaches alike support allowing Ivy League playing in the playoffs. They do not think it will impact the students education.
Brown quarterback Jake Willcox says playing in the playoffs will not impact the players because they know how manage their schedules.
“A few more weeks of football isn’t really going to affect anyone, especially the way that the athletes, student athletes in this league, know how to work.” Willcox continued, “This league can play at a really high level,” Willcox said. “I think it’s something that can be shown on a national level.”
Crimson Coach Andrew Aurich also agrees that players would welcome the opportunity.
“If they have opportunity to play for a national championship, I think they would love to do it. And I would love to coach them in that.”
It is time for the league presidents to do the right thing and give these young men a chance to play for a national championship. They deserve it.