December 10th, 2025 8:00am
The stage is set for an NCAA Division II national semifinal showdown in Big Rapids, Michigan this Saturday as defending national champion Ferris State (14-0) hosts Newberry (12-1).
Ferris State enters the contest as the GLIAC Champion and winner of the Super Region Three bracket, continuing a dominant run that has propelled the Bulldogs to their seventh semifinal appearance in the past nine years. The Bulldogs are riding a 28-game winning streak dating back to August 31, 2024 and look to secure a trip to the national championship game for the fifth time.
Newberry, the SAC Champion and Super Region Two winner, makes history with its first-ever semifinal appearance. The Wolves have put together an impressive 12-1 record, marking the most wins in a single season in program history. They are currently riding the longest winning streak in team history as well (10 games).
The game will air exlusively on ESPN+ at 12pm, noon, ET on Saturday.
Full name: Ferris State University
Mascot: Bulldogs
Location: Big Rapids, Michigan
Conference affiliation: Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Enrollment: 9,877
Record: 14-0
The Bulldogs are led by Tony Annese, who is in his 13th season. He is the program's winningest head coach with an overall record of 151-21, with three national championships (2021, 2022, 2024).
Players to watch
OL Tim Anderson - GLIAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, finalist for the Gene Upshaw Award (Division II Lineman of the Year)
C Jarvis Windom - First team Super Region Three
DB Justin Payoute - GLIAC Defensive Back of the Year
DB Ahlston Ware - First team All Super Region Three
DL Kailib Davis - GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year, First team All Super Region Three
QB Chase Carter (1,001 rushing yards, 17 rush TD)
TE /HB Carson Gulker (30 rec, 6 TD / 5 rush TD)
WR Taariik Brett (42 rec, 8 TD)
Schedule
Aug. 28 Pittsburg State (W, 34-17)
Sept. 6 at Lake Erie (W, 63-6)
Sept. 13 Tiffin (W, 41-34)
Sept. 20 Rio Grande (W, 76-0)
Oct. 4 at Roosevelt (W, 66-0)
Oct. 11 Wayne State (W, 59-0)
Oct. 18 at Michigan Tech (W, 38-10)
Oct. 25 Grand Valley State (W, 38-31)
Nov. 1 Northern Michigan (W, 70-35)
Nov. 8 Saginaw Valley State (W, 51-45)
Nov. 15 at Davenport (W, 44-23)
Round 1: Northwood (W, 65-14)
Round 2: Ashland (W, 56-24)
Round 3: Minnesota State (W, 52-29)
Full name: Newberry College
Mascot: Wolves
Location: Newberry, South Carolina
Conference affiliation: South Atlantic Conference
Enrollment: 1,715
Record: 12-1
Players to Watch
QB Reed Charpia - Harlon Hill Award finalist, SAC Offensive Player of the Year
WR Keith Desaussure (92 rec, 1.087 yards, 10 TD)
LB Mikey Blandin (115 tackles, 10 TFL, 4.5 sacks)
LB Devron Williams (76 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 sack)
DE Jaydon Eason (57 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks)
DB Avery McFadden (35 tackles, 8 PBU, 3 INT)
Schedule
Sept. 6 at UVA Wise (W, 31-24)
Sept. 13 Point (W, 49-0)
Sept. 20 Catawba (L, 21-10)
Sept. 27 at Lenoir-Rhyne (W, 20-17)
Oct. 4 Wingate (W, 43-42)
Oct. 11 at Tusculum (W, 35-28)
Oct. 18 Mars Hill (W, 38-24)
Oct. 25 Emory & Henry (W, 36-34)
Nov. 1 at Anderson (W, 24-21)
Nov. 8 Carson-Newman (W, 28-21)
Round 1: Kentucky State (W, 45-24)
Round 2: at West Florida (W, 24-17)
Round 3: at Albany State (W, 31-24)
The winner advances to the NCAA Division II National Championship Game in McKinney, Texas on December 20.