The 2005 NCAA Division I-AA football season, the 2005 season of college football for teams in Division I-AA, began on September 1, 2005, and concluded on December 16, 2005. In the 2005 NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship Game, played in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Appalachian State Mountaineers defeated the Northern Iowa Panthers.

Rule changes for 2005

There are several rules that have changed for the 2005 season. Following are some highlights:

Conference changes and new programs

I-AA team wins over I-A teams

Conference standings

Conference champions

Automatic berths

Invitation

Abstains

Postseason

NCAA Division I-AA playoff bracket

• Host institution

SWAC Championship Game

Final poll standings

Standings are from The Sports Network final 2005 poll.