September 10, 2025
Sports Illustrated calls Ferris State the ‘Gold Standard’ for NCAA DII football, notes it tops 18 FBS programs in ESPN rankings
Already the top-ranked team in NCAA Division II football, Ferris State University is now earning national media attention — and high praise — from Sports Illustrated and ESPN, who say the Bulldogs are outperforming nearly 20 Division I programs.
Bill Connelly, one of ESPN’s most respected college football analysts, placed Ferris State above 18 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in his latest SP+ national rankings, published on the network’s website. The FBS level represents college football’s top tier — home to the biggest athletic budgets, high-profile athletes, and the postseason bowl system that leads to the national championship.
Connelly’s rankings caught the eye of Sports Illustrated columnist Matt De Lima, who this week published an in-depth feature on the Bulldogs, who have won three of the last four NCAA DII national championships.
“Ferris State’s placement is a testament to (head coach Tony) Annese’s program, which now serves as the gold standard for Division II football,” De Lima wrote. “The Bulldogs aren’t just aiming for another national title. Their brand of dominance is pushing them into conversations typically reserved for the FBS ranks.”
Ferris State enters this week 2-0 after a commanding 63-3 road win over Lake Erie University. The Bulldogs are currently ranked No. 1 by both the American Football Coaches Association and D2Football.com.
The Bulldogs have not lost a game since their 2024 season opener and will look to extend that streak this Saturday when they host Tiffin University at Top Taggart Field. The visiting Dragons are 1-0 following a 34-7 season-opening win at Wayne State University and have notched 19 wins over the past two seasons, establishing themselves as a legitimate Division II playoff contender.
Connelly’s SP+ rankings use an advanced statistical formula to measure team efficiency, sustainability, and projected performance. According to the latest numbers, Ferris State ranks No. 128 nationally — ahead of 18 FBS programs.
“It is an unusual sight, but one that reflects the program’s sustained excellence and the statistical weight behind their recent success,” De Lima wrote.
“The Bulldogs’ placement puts them above well-known FBS programs such as Central Michigan, Southern Miss, Nevada, and Marshall. It also positions Ferris State ahead of schools with deeper resources and bigger recruiting pools. For a D2 program, climbing into the national conversation of efficiency metrics demonstrates both the accuracy and boldness of SP+ as a predictive system.”
De Lima further highlighted the Bulldogs’ elite execution on both sides of the ball:
“The Bulldogs’ explosive offense and disciplined defense have given them predictive strength that many struggling FBS teams lack. Ferris State is not simply beating overmatched opponents. They are winning with dominance and balance and the Bulldogs have three national titles since 2021 to prove it.”
While DII programs are not eligible for the College Football Playoff, Connelly’s rankings illustrate how advanced analytics can shine a spotlight on elite programs outside the sport’s traditional power structure.
“For the Bulldogs, it is also an affirmation of their ability to maximize talent and scheme despite operating on a smaller budget and platform,” De Lima noted. “Schools like Ball State, Kent State, and Akron may have more scholarships and visibility, but SP+ suggests Ferris State would hold its own in a head-to-head matchup.”
This Saturday’s home game will also serve as Military Appreciation Night, presented by the ARMY ROTC. As part of the evening’s Red Out theme, fans are encouraged to wear red. The first 500 fans will receive red rally towels, with kickoff set for 6 p.m.
Tickets are available online and fans are encouraged to buy digital tickets in advance to avoid game-day lines.