The undefeated Ferris State football team faces an equally undefeated Harding University squad tonight in the NCAA Division II national championship game at McKinney ISD Stadium in McKinney, Texas. Both teams enter with perfect 15-0 records, setting up a clash of the titans between the nation’s top two programs.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Ferris State football is ranked No. 1 nationally with a 15-0 record and the top-ranked offense, scoring 53.5 points per game
- Harding University comes in at No. 2 with a identical 15-0 record and the nation’s top rushing attack at 446.4 yards per game
- The game kicks off at 4:03 PM ET tonight (December 20, 2025) and will air live on ESPN2 across the nation
- These two programs dominate Division II football, combining to win the last four national championships—Ferris State in 2024, 2022, and 2021, with Harding claiming the 2023 title
Matchup Overview: Two Undefeated Powerhouses Face Off
Cagliari faces Lecce tonight in Serie A showdown, Rossoblu seek top-half push
Girona faces Barcelona tonight in La Liga showdown, Barcelona chases lead
Both Ferris State football and Harding enter tonight with pristine records. The Bulldogs sit atop the rankings thanks to their explosive offensive efficiency, while the Bisons earned their way here with dominant defensive play and a run-heavy attack.
Ferris State finished the regular season 11-0 in conference play, demonstrating consistency from start to finish. Harding also went undefeated in conference, winning the GAC championship outright. Both teams have won four of six playoff contests to reach this championship moment.
Key Statistical Contrasts Shape the Battle
| Statistical Category | Ferris State | Harding |
| Total Offense Per Game | 515.5 yards (#1 nationally) | 481.9 yards (#4 nationally) |
| Points Per Game | 53.5 ppg (#1 nationally) | 45.0 ppg (#3 nationally) |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 310.6 yards (#3 nationally) | 446.4 yards (#1 nationally) |
| Overall Record | 15-0 (7-0 GLIAC) | 15-0 (11-0 GAC) |
Historic Playoff Rivalry Reaches Championship Stage
East Texas A&M faces Southeastern in Family Fun Day matchup today
Macclesfield faces Brentford tonight in FA Cup fourth-round showdown
Ferris State and Harding have met three times in the NCAA Division II playoffs. The Bulldogs reign supreme in this rivalry, having won the last two matchups decisively. Most recently, Ferris State dominated Harding in a 41-7 Super Region Three championship game last year, putting the defending champion in an underdog role tonight.
However, Harding proved their worth by winning the national championship in 2023 and reaching this stage despite being unseeded due to an unfair reseeding system, according to Harding coach Paul Simmons. The challenge facing Ferris State football is clear: stopping a historic rushing attack while maintaining their offensive tempo.
Coaching Excellence and Historic Dynasties Clash
Tony Annese, the head coach of Ferris State, has established himself as a dynastic force in Division II football. Since taking the helm in 2012, Annese has compiled a 137-21 record with the Bulldogs and has already won three national championships (2021, 2022, 2024). He currently boasts an 87.8% winning percentage at Ferris State.
Harding counters with Paul Simmons, who was named the Don Hansen National Coach of the Year this season. The Bisons franchise has been resurrected under Simmons, winning the 2023 national championship and building a powerhouse program capable of competing on the grandest stage against Ferris State football tonight.
What Will Determine Victory in Tonight’s National Championship?
The battle will likely be decided by field position and execution in critical moments. Ferris State football must disrupt Harding‘s rushing attack early, forcing the Bisons to rely on less efficient passing plays. Conversely, Harding needs to control the line of scrimmage and establish their ground game while hoping their defense can create turnovers to slow Ferris State‘s potent offense.
The team that can force the other toward their weakness—Ferris State wanting to defend the run, Harding wanting to defend the pass—may hold the advantage. Ferris State football ranks higher in overall efficiency, but championship games are decided by execution under pressure, not preseason metrics.
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.