The FCS, formerly Division I-AA, has staged a championship tournament since 1978. But the Ivy League, despite a long history of competing for NCAA championships in other sports, has not participated in postseason football. That is changing, thanks to a process initiated by the Ivy League’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee a year ago.

“The Ivy League prides itself on a storied tradition of impact, influence and competitive success throughout the history of college football. We now look ahead to a new chapter of success and to further enhancing the student-athlete experience with our participation in the NCAA FCS playoffs,” said Ivy League Executive Director Robin Harris in a statement announcing the new policy. “I want to commend the students on our SAAC for their thoughtful and thorough proposal as well as their commitment to the league’s legislative process.”