FBS. During this period transition teams are technically ineligible to compete in the NCAA DI Playoffs (aka FCS Playoffs) because the provide more scholarships than the 63 equivalent cap for scholarships and ineligible to compete in a bowl game because they are not a full FBS member. Mainly because during the second year most school don't offer the full scholarship requirement, but instead a number between the first year number and the full requirement number. For example, when the FBS cap was 85, transition teams had to offer 70-72 full scholarships by the end of the first (fiscal) year. Then at the start of the second year, those teams enter the season with those 70-72 full scholarships and by the end of the fiscal year they are offering or able to offer 85 full scholarship at the start of the next fiscal year on July 1. I don't know what the number requirements are now that teams can offer 105 full or partial scholarships in FBS. However, Delaware and Missouri State were in the transition phase and were allowed to compete in a bowl game. The only explanation I can think of is they made an announce during a specific window and allowed them to opt out of the FCS Playoffs during their "first year of transition." If this season was considered their "second year of transition" based on the number of scholarships they offer, then they could receive a waiver from the NCAA Oversight Committee (I think that is the right committee) so they could play in the bowl game. I don't remember when either school officially made their announcement. I do know neither school participated in the 2024 FCS Playoffs, but I don't know if that was considered their first year of transition or not. North Dakota State might be ineligible to play in a bowl game in 2026, but receive a waiver in 2027. Especially if they are already offering 105 scholarships at the start of the fiscal year (July 1, 2027).