December 1st, 2025 5:00pm
By Chuck Bitner, D2Football.com
The third round of the NCAA Division II playoffs kicks off this weekend, but that’s not the only action on tap. Alongside the playoff games, three bowl matchups will take place on Saturday, featuring teams that were just outside of the playoff bracket. Fans can look forward to the Heritage Bowl, the Albanese Candy Bowl, and the First Americans Bowl—all showcasing programs eager to finish their seasons on a high note.
12:00pm, Central
Location: Corsicana ISD Stadium, Corsicana, Texas
West Texas A&M (7-4) v. Arkansas Tech (7-4)
West Texas A&M and Arkansas Tech are set to clash in this year’s Heritage Bowl, bringing together two programs that enjoyed breakout seasons in 2025.
West Texas A&M posted its first winning campaign since 2021, overcoming a slow start that included two non-conference losses. The Buffs found their stride in Lone Star Conference play, finishing with a 7-2 league record with notable wins over Western Oregon, Texas A&M–Kingsville, and Angelo State. Quarterback RJ Martinez, a Harlon Hill Award candidate, leads the nation in total passing yards and passing yards per game, while ranking third in passing touchdowns.
Arkansas Tech also turned heads, securing its first winning season since 2017 under first-year head coach Roy Thompson Jr. The Wonder Boys’ résumé features impressive victories over Ouachita Baptist and Henderson State. Freshman standout Bryson Roland, the GAC Freshman of the Year, is a key offensive weapon after racking up 1,054 rushing yards—third-best in the conference.
Coverage will be available on the Heritage Bowl YouTube Channel
1:00pm, Central
Location: Doc Wadley Stadium, Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Northeastern State (8-3) v. East Central (6-5)
Northeastern State and East Central will square off in the inaugural First Americans Bowl, showcasing two of Oklahoma’s top college football teams in 2025.
East Central (6-5), representing the Great American Conference, opened the season with a statement win over Ouachita Baptist and later knocked off Southern Arkansas on November 1. Defensively, the Tigers are anchored by Michael Onwuzurike, who leads the team with six sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss.
Northeastern State (8-3), competing as an independent, delivered one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college football this year. After winning just seven games from 2017 to 2024, the RiverHawks surged to eight victories this fall. Two of their three losses were to Division I North Alabama and perennial GSC power West Florida. Thei Riverhawks' résumé includes wins over Saginaw Valley State, Central Oklahoma, and West Alabama. Offensively, wide receiver La’Vontae Shenault has hauled in 70 passes for 910 yards, while running back Ramon McKinney eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards and scored 15 touchdowns.
1:00pm, Eastern
Location: Hobart, Indiana
Upper Iowa (8-3) v. Hillsdale (6-5)
Upper Iowa capped its most successful regular season since joining Division II with an impressive 8-3 record. A key highlight came in Week 3 when the Peacocks knocked off then-ranked Michigan Tech. Leading the charge are Harlon Hill candidate wide receiver Mante Morrow and quarterback Daryl Overstreet. Morrow earned D2Football.com Player of the Week honors for his standout performance against South Dakota Mines in Week 2.
After a 2-5 start, Hillsdale closed the regular season with four straight wins to finish 6-5 and secure a bowl berth. Their defense was reliable down the stretch, anchored by first-team All-GMAC selections Drake Badger and Jacob Vance. On special teams, Shea Ruddy earned GMAC Special Teams Player of the Year honors and also ranked among the league’s top wide receivers.