Division III football playoffs shift into second-round overdrive today with 16 games happening simultaneously across the country. Mount Union, Susquehanna, Johns Hopkins, and other powerhouse programs battle today to punch their tickets to the quarterfinals on December 13. The intensity ramps up significantly as the field narrows from 32 to 16 teams.
🔥 Quick Facts
- 32 teams competing in the second round today, November 29, 2025
- Mount Union (No. 2 seed) demolished Muhlenberg 42-0 this morning
- Susquehanna (No. 22 seed) powered past Christopher Newport 28-7
- Johns Hopkins (No. 8 seed) advances with 20-7 victory over Springfield
16 Games Today Reshape the Picture
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The second round features eight 12 p.m. ET kickoffs and six 1 p.m. ET kickoffs across campus stadiums nationwide. Games starting in the early afternoon slots include marquee matchups like John Carroll vs. Randolph-Macon, Hope vs. Wisconsin-La Crosse, and Franklin & Marshall vs. Eastern. The staggered schedule ensures every team plays simultaneously on the same Saturday.
The 32-team field comes from the original 40-team bracket made up of 27 automatic qualifiers (conference champions) and 13 at-large selections. Eight teams received first-round byes, meaning today marks the entry point for the eight first-round survivors.
Mount Union’s Dominant Display Sets Tone
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Mount Union sent an unmistakable message with their 42-0 shutout victory over Muhlenberg in the second round. The No. 2-ranked Purple Raiders faced Muhlenberg, who had upset Union (New York) 34-26 in the first round. Mount Union powered through with complete defensive dominance, holding Muhlenberg scoreless across all four quarters. The Purple Raiders hold a 116-22 all-time record in NCAA playoff games (.841 winning percentage) and have reached the Stagg Bowl 23 times since 1993, winning 13 NCAA championships — an NCAA-record claim. Mount Union’s 10-0 regular season and Ohio Athletic Conference championship positioned them as a top threat for the national title.
Looking ahead, Mount Union faces a quarterfinal matchup (if they advance) with a potential opponent from their bracket region. The powerful offensive unit and stout defense have them on a collision course with national contenders like North Central (Illinois) and others.
| Team | Seed | Regular Season | Status |
| Mount Union | No. 2 | 10-0 | Advanced 42-0 |
| Susquehanna | No. 22 | 10-1 | Advanced 28-7 |
| Johns Hopkins | No. 8 | 11-0 | Advanced 20-7 |
| North Central (IL) | No. 1 | 11-0 | Playing today |
Cinderella Stories and Major Surprises Emerging
Susquehanna’s 28-7 victory over Christopher Newport showcased the River Hawks’ championship aspirations as a No. 22 seed. Johns Hopkins demonstrated resilience with their 20-7 win against Springfield, staying on course for a potential deep playoff run. Both teams capitalized on first-half scoring and defensive pressure in their matchups. Johns Hopkins came into this tournament after losing to Mount Union 45-37 in last year’s semifinals, seeking redemption and a national championship appearance.
The second-round format emphasizes home field advantage, as all games are played at the higher seed’s campus. This creates crowd energy advantages and familiarity benefits for teams who finished higher in the regular season standings or tournament seeding.
Quarterfinals Loom Large on December 13
Winners of today’s 16 games will advance directly to quarterfinal competition on December 13. The field of 16 represents the elite programs still standing after cutthroat playoff football. Following quarterfinals, the Final Four semifinals happen on December 20, with the Stagg Bowl Championship on January 4, 2026. This championship-winning format spans over a month of intense competition. The ultimate champion will be crowned at the Stagg Bowl, college football’s longest-standing playoff tradition celebrating 60+ years of Division III excellence. Can the defending champion North Central (Illinois) repeat after their 41-25 victory last year over Mount Union, or will Mount Union’s dominant squad finally reclaim the crown?
“Mount Union has a 116-22 all-time record in NCAA playoff games, advancing to the Stagg Bowl 23 times since 1993 with an NCAA-record 13 championships.”
— Mount Union Athletics, Official Records
Watch the Highlights
Sources
- NCAA.com – Official Division III football championship bracket and scores
- D3Football.com – Live stats, scoreboard, and playoff coverage
- Mount Union Athletics – Team records and historical championship data
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.