North Dakota State entered the game with a 15–0 record. They were 12–0 during the regular season, finishing atop theMissouri Valley Football Conference with an 8–0 conference record. The Bison received the top seed for the FCS playoffs, entitling them to a first-round bye. They then defeatedNicholls,Illinois State, andMontana State to reach the championship game. North Dakota entered the title match with a 36-game winning streak, having not lost since falling toSouth Dakota State on November 4, 2017.
This was North Dakota State's eighth FCS title game; they were 7–0 in prior championship game appearances, having won titles for the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018 seasons. During the2016 playoffs, they were denied a spot in the title game due to a semifinal loss to James Madison.
James Madison entered the game with a 14–1 record. They were 11–1 during the regular season, finishing atop theColonial Athletic Association with an 8–0 conference record. Their only loss was to FBS programWest Virginia, 20–13, on August 31. The Dukes received the second seed for the FCS playoffs, entitling them to a first-round bye. They then defeatedMonmouth,Northern Iowa, andWeber State to reach the championship game.
This was James Madison's fourth FCS title game; they were 2–1 in prior championship game appearances, having won titles for the 2004 and 2016 seasons.
