June 20, 2025

Still the one: Defending NCAA DII champion Ferris State football team picked No. 1 in nation in first preseason poll

The defending national champion Ferris State University football team has been picked as the nation’s No. 1 team in the first preseason national poll, according to Lindy’s Sports.

Lindy's Sports, an Alabama-based national publication, unveiled its preseason Division II top 10 rankings in its annual college football yearbook that hit newsstands this month.

The Bulldogs – NCAA DII national champions in three of the last four years -- were the top of the list.
Ferris State was picked first with Harding University in Arkansas in second followed by Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania in third, University of West Florida in fourth and Colorado State University – Pueblo.

Ferris State beat Harding and Slippery Rock a year ago during a memorable playoff run to the national title
The second five consisted of Grand Valley State University in sixth followed by Western Colorado University, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Bemidji State University in Minnesota, and Minnesota State University.
The Bulldogs will begin their 116th season of varsity competition this fall with their sights set on making a nation-leading 11th consecutive trip to the NCAA Division II Playoffs.

Ferris State has made six national semifinal appearances along with four trips to the national championship game, highlighted by back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022 along with this past year in 2024 during the stretch.

Over the past four seasons of action, the Bulldogs have a 50-5 overall record. Ferris State has also reached the NCAA Division II National Semifinals six times in the past eight seasons of action and ranks as the country's winningest program over the past 10 full seasons in DII football. The university is 77-7 over the last five seasons of on-field action, including back-to-back NCAA DII National Championships in 2021 and 2022.

Ferris State also holds the GLIAC's best mark and the best overall record of all collegiate programs in Michigan at 137-21 – a .867 winning percentage-- overall since the arrival of Tony Annese as head coach in 2012.

The Bulldogs will open the 2025 season at home, hosting Pittsburg State from Kansas in a DII National Showdown on Thursday, Aug. 28, at Top Taggart Field. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

Season tickets for the 2025 season are on sale now and can be purchased online at FerrisStateBulldogs.com/Tickets.