December 20, 2025
‘Catalyst of our greatness is love:’ Ferris State football team’s fourth national title is a celebration of caring and family
It sounds more like a Hallmark Christmas movie than a college football dynasty. But Ferris State University head coach Tony Annese says there are two keys to his football team’s success: Love and family.
Annese’s Bulldogs won their fourth NCAA Division II National Championship on Saturday, topping Harding University 42-21 in a battle of two unbeaten teams.
The victory marks the second run of back-to-back championships in Ferris State history and extends a school record with the team’s 30th consecutive win. The Bulldogs finished with a 16-0 record, becoming the first NCAA Division I or II team in the modern era of college football to finish with a perfect 16-0 mark.
Annese reflected on a coaching staff that includes his son and nephew, and others who have been at his side for decades. He’s known quarterback Wyatt Bower since he was in fourth grade. In the game’s final moments, he was surrounded by players from the past who hoisted him on their shoulders. The team even includes two sets of twins.
“It’s just the family atmosphere we've built,” Annese said. “And if you're not built that way, it's gonna be hard to win in a significant level. I always say, I've said it many times, catalyst of our greatness is love.”
Annese has the respect of his opponents. Harding coach Paul Simmons called Annese “a class act,” said the team is “elite,” and called offensive coordinator Steve Annese “a savant.”
“I think that’s the most talented team we’ve faced, and it isn’t even close,” Simmons said in the post-game press conference. “We’ve done good things. They’re another level above us.”
The Bulldogs dominated on the ground, accumulating 363 rushing yards, including four rushing touchdowns. The team capitalized on the Bisons' miscues, converting two fumble recoveries into points. Harding briefly narrowed the gap with two second-quarter touchdowns but could not keep pace in the second half.
Ferris State capitalized on a strong ground game to take a commanding lead in the first quarter, highlighted by Bower’s two rushing touchdowns. Brady Rose set the tone early with a 45-yard run, propelling the Bulldogs to dominate possession time and outgain Harding in total yardage. Despite Harding's attempt to respond, Ferris State capitalized on a key fumble recovery by Jalen Jones, leading to another scoring opportunity and a 14-0 advantage.
FSU responded to Harding's early touchdown in the second quarter with a 12-play, 95-yard drive that culminated in a 23-yard touchdown pass from Bower to Cam Underwood, extending the lead to 21-14. Harding managed to narrow the gap with a late touchdown, but Ferris State held a 21-14 lead going into halftime.
The Bulldogs extended the lead in the third quarter, capitalizing on a strong rushing attack. Chase Carter's 64-yard touchdown run set the tone, followed by a three-yard rushing score from Bower.
Ferris State added another touchdown through a 14-yard pass from Bower to Gulker at 6:14. Despite a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown by Harding's G'Kyson Wright, Ferris State maintained control, finishing the quarter ahead 42-21.
In the fourth quarter, Ferris State capitalized on Harding's turnover when Andrew Miller's fumble was recovered by Jack Lamancusa at the Bulldogs' 12-yard line with 4:47 remaining. Ferris State then executed a methodical drive, highlighted by Kevin Simes' decisive 20-yard gain on third down to Harding's 44-yard line. This effective rushing attack helped Ferris State maintain possession and secure the 42-21 victory.
Bower led the team's offensive efforts, completing 10 of 16 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 38 yards and three additional scores. Chase Carter made a significant impact on the ground, rushing for 111 yards on seven carries and adding a touchdown. Defensively, Isiah Byars contributed with 11 total tackles, providing a strong presence.
Ferris State won national titles in 2021 and 2022, 2024 and now 2025. Annese said he doesn’t think about his milestones or legacy, saying that’s up to others.
“I'm just happy to be able to, it's a blessing every day to go coach kids like this,” he said. “It's just unbelievable. It's just an unbelievable opportunity to just impact young people.”