The following is a list of current Division III schools that have participated in the playoffs leading to the NCAA Division III Football Championship.
The playoffs began with four teams in 1973, expanded to eight teams to 1975, 16 teams in 1985, 28 teams in 1999, 32 teams in 2005,[1] and 40 teams in 2024.
[2] † New England Small College Athletic Conference teams do not participate in any postseason in football, they are only allowed to play in-conference games.
[3] Former NCAA Division III teams that sponsored football at D-III level and had made at least one appearance in playoffs but had left NCAA Division III.
Currently NCAA Division III teams that sponsored football at D-III level and had made at least one appearance in playoffs but dropped their football programs.