March 3, 2026

Ferris State football National Championship parade set for April 25 in downtown Big Rapids

Ferris State University has set the date for the National Championship Parade and Celebration honoring the football program’s 2025 NCAA Division II National Championship on Saturday, Apr. 25, in downtown Big Rapids.

The event will be held in conjunction with the City of Big Rapids and the Downtown Business Association, while sponsored by Explore Big Rapids and the Mecosta County Visitors Bureau.

The entire Bulldog community, including students, faculty and staff, alumni, and fans alike are invited to come out and celebrate.

Ferris State ended the 2025 season with a historic 16-0 overall record after beating Harding 42-21 in the title game on Dec. 20, securing their fourth national title in five years.

This year’s parade will begin at noon, starting at the Big Rapids Public Library and ending near City Hall, all along Michigan Avenue.

Members of Ferris State’s national championship team and student-athletes from other programs will be featured in the parade, along with local fire and police personnel and participating organizations.

A recognition and proclamation ceremony will take place in front of Horizon Bank in downtown Big Rapids near the end of the parade route. The speaker list tentatively includes Ferris State President Bill Pink, Athletic Director Steve Brockelbank, Big Rapids Mayor Fred Guenther, and others.

Festivities will continue following the parade, as fans will have an opportunity to greet the national championship team, get autographs, and take photos with the championship trophy.

The downtown area from Maple Street to Pine Street will be blocked off until the event concludes while local business restaurants and establishments are expected to remain open during the celebration.

Parade entries are currently being accepted. All entries will be reviewed prior to approval and must be submitted by Wednesday, Apr. 22. Those local and campus organizations interested in being in the parade should fill out the parade entry form at this link.

The national championship parade will be part of a "Championship Weekend" in Big Rapids that will also include the Bulldogs' national championship ring ceremony and annual Crimson & Gold Spring game the night prior to the parade on Friday, Apr. 24. Additional details will be coming soon about those events.