December 20th, 2025 6:40pm
MCKINNEY, Texas — The Ferris State University Bulldogs continued a dominant run as the Bulldogs claimed their fourth NCAA D2 National Championship in the past five years with a convincing 42-21 win over Harding (Ark.) on Saturday (Dec. 20) in McKinney, Texas.
FSU repeated as the D2 National Champions and finished the 2015 campaign with a 16-0 record, becoming the first NCAA Division I or II team in the modern era of college football to finish with a perfect 16-0 mark.
"It's unbelievable that we did it again and I'm so proud of our players and staff for what they have accomplished," said FSU head coach Tony Annese. "This group came together and did so many great things to get back here to McKinney and find a way to get it done again."
Ferris State also topped the all-time NCAA D1 or D2 scoring record, finishing the year with a record-breaking 844 points on the year.
The Bulldogs dominated on the ground, accumulating 363 rushing yards, including four rushing touchdowns. The team capitalized on the Bisons' miscues, converting two fumble recoveries into points. Harding briefly narrowed the gap with two second-quarter touchdowns but could not keep pace in the second half.
Ferris State capitalized on a strong ground game to take a commanding lead in the first quarter, highlighted by quarterback Wyatt Bower's two rushing touchdowns. Brady Rose set the tone early with a 45-yard run, propelling the Bulldogs to dominate possession time and outgain Harding in total yardage. Despite Harding's attempt to respond, Ferris State capitalized on a key fumble recovery by Jalen Jones, leading to another scoring opportunity and a 14-0 advantage.
FSU responded to Harding's early touchdown in the second quarter with a 12-play, 95-yard drive that culminated in a 23-yard touchdown pass from Bower to Cam Underwood, extending the lead to 21-14. Despite a pair of penalties totaling 10 yards, the Bulldogs maintained offensive momentum, amassing 92 rushing yards with Bower and Carson Gulker each securing key first downs on runs of 21 and 11 yards, respectively. Harding managed to narrow the gap with a late touchdown, but Ferris State held a 21-14 lead going into halftime.
The Bulldogs extended the lead in the third quarter, capitalizing on a strong rushing attack. Chase Carter's 64-yard touchdown run at 14:21 set the tone, followed by a three-yard rushing score from Bower. FSU added another touchdown through a 14-yard pass from Bower to Gulker at 6:14. Despite a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown by Harding's G'Kyson Wright, Ferris State maintained control, finishing the quarter ahead 42-21.
In the fourth quarter, Ferris State capitalized on Harding's turnover when Andrew Miller's fumble was recovered by Jack Lamancusa at the Bulldogs' 12-yard line with 4:47 remaining. Ferris State then executed a methodical drive, highlighted by Kevin Simes' decisive 20-yard gain on third down to Harding's 44-yard line. This effective rushing attack helped Ferris State maintain possession and secure the 42-21 victory.
Wyatt Bower led the team's offensive efforts, completing 10 of 16 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 38 yards and three additional scores. Chase Carter made a significant impact on the ground, rushing for 111 yards on seven carries and adding a touchdown. Defensively, Isiah Byars contributed with 11 total tackles, providing a strong presence.
Harding finished the year with a 15-1 overall record.
The win also extended the Bulldogs' winning streak to 30 consecutive games dating back to the start of the 2024 campaign.
Stay tuned to FerrisStateBulldogs.com for additional championship coverage coming soon!