December 19, 2025
Ferris State football ready for NCAA Division II Football National Championship game, seeking fourth title in five years
The No. 1 ranked Ferris State University football team is seeking a fourth title in five years and back-to-back championships, as the Bulldogs prepare to face the Harding University Bisons in the 2025 NCAA Division II National Championship.
With a school record 29-straight victories and being ranked No. 1 since the 2025 preseason poll, Ferris State is 15-0 this season heading into the national title game, while claiming the outright 2025 GLIAC Championship.
The matchup against Harding is set for Saturday, Dec. 20, in McKinney, Texas at 3 p.m. Central Time at the McKinney ISD Stadium. Live coverage is available on ESPN2 (fees apply) in addition to live stats.
Head coach Tony Annese recognizes the stakes are high but has confidence in players and staff who have familiarized themselves with the situation over the past few seasons. Many players have played in multiple championship games, something Annese said is a plus as they prepare.
“I think it's very helpful. You know… everyone has the goal to achieve this,” he said after Thursday’s practice at McKinney North High School.
“As you're gathering in August, and you know, I'm speaking about this (title game) is one of our goals. They can picture it. And when you have something in your mind where you can visualize something, I think it makes it something that they will work harder for. (They) tangibly know what they need to do to achieve it. That's how we've been, that's the approach, and that's how we achieved it.”
One of those veteran players is senior Brady Rose. The Muskegon native has suited up as a slot receiver, a holder for the kickers, a return specialist, and, if needed, can still effectively throw the football on offense as he did as a high schooler.
Annese says when the 2025 season is all said and done, it will be difficult to accept the fact that Rose will no longer be a Bulldog.
“I want him back, you know, I don't know if I can survive without him,” he said. “I said to him the other day ‘What are you going to do?’ I mean, I need you around me always… For him to be one of my players, it's like, what a blessing for me. Just a pure and utter winner. You know, it should be Brady ‘Winner’ Rose.”
Among Rose is a star-studded cast of Bulldogs. Justin Payoute and Tim Anderson were recently selected as 2025 American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II First Team All-Americans.
Payoute and Anderson also joined teammates Jarvis Windom, Kailib Davis, and Ahlston Ware as 2025 Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) All-America First Team honorees.