It won’t get nearly as much attention as the College Football Playoff, but another postseason kicks off this weekend — and it might be just as compelling.
The 32-team NCAA Division II football playoffs begin Saturday, setting up one of the strongest and most competitive fields in years. Defending national champion Ferris State and perennial contender Harding headline a group aiming for the national title game in McKinney, Texas, on December 21.
Below are the top questions and storylines entering the tournament.
Can Ferris State Continue Its Dominance?
Ferris State has become a true Division II dynasty. The Bulldogs have won three of the last five national championships, including back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022, and are seeking another deep postseason run.
This year, Ferris is one of only three undefeated teams in Division II. The Bulldogs use a two-quarterback system featuring Wyatt Bower and Chase Carter, and they may boast their strongest offensive line ever. Nothing is guaranteed in playoff football, but Ferris State enters the bracket as a heavy favorite to win another national title.
Who’s the Top Threat to Ferris State?
The biggest challenger is Harding, ranked No. 2 all season and dominant on both sides of the ball.
The Bisons feature:
- The best rushing offense in all of college football (460.1 yards per game)
- A defense allowing only 6.4 points per game
- A veteran nucleus — QB Cole Kenyon, RB Braden Jay, and DB Ty Dugger — all key pieces from Harding’s 2023 national championship team
Behind Harding, Kutztown and Albany State (GA) are the remaining top regional seeds. Both programs rely on physical, top-tier defenses — the exact type required to survive late into December.
Who Else Could Be in the Mix?
West Florida
One of Division II’s most explosive offenses (38.7 points per game) with elite receiver Corey Scott leading the charge. RBs TJ Lane and Jay Sharp give the Argonauts balance.
Johnson C. Smith
QB Kelvin Durham is a versatile, dynamic playmaker. His six-touchdown performance against Virginia Union showed how dangerous this team can be when he’s in rhythm.
Findlay
Earned a No. 2 seed after edging out Ashland to win the GMAC through a tiebreaker. Solid, disciplined, and built for playoff football.
Central Washington
Facing Western Colorado for the third straight postseason — but for the first time, the game will be in Ellensburg. CWU hasn’t hosted a playoff game since 2017, giving them a meaningful home-field boost.
Who Are the Sleepers?
Valdosta State
A historically strong program that started 2–4 but surged late with a four-game winning streak. They enter the playoffs hot, which always matters.
Minnesota State
Stuck in Ferris State’s region, but don’t count them out. They reached the 2023 national semifinals and return much of that roster.
Chadron State
Despite drawing Harding’s region, the rest of the bracket is wide open. They match up well physically and could make a run.
Indiana (PA) – IUP
Never discount IUP in November. WRs Devin Whitlock and Maurice Massey form the best receiving duo in Division II, and veteran QB Matthew Rueve (a Boston College transfer) brings experience and poise.
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