Ferris State football leads 2025 NCAA DII preseason rankings after securing three national titles in four years and aims for an 11th straight playoff berth.

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Ferris State University’s football program, already a dominant force in NCAA Division II, has been ranked No. 1 in the nation in the first preseason poll of the 2025 season. The ranking, released by Lindy’s Sports, cements Ferris State’s continued leadership in collegiate football as the team enters its 116th season of varsity competition.

Ferris State Football Named Top Team in First National Preseason Rankings

In the 2025 edition of its annual college football preview, Alabama-based Lindy’s Sports placed Ferris State atop its NCAA Division II Top 10. The Bulldogs edged out Harding University (Arkansas) and Slippery Rock University (Pennsylvania)—both of which Ferris defeated in last year’s playoff run—to claim the top spot. The top five also includes University of West Florida and Colorado State University – Pueblo.

Rounding out the Top 10 are in-state rival Grand Valley State University at No. 6, followed by Western Colorado University, Kutztown University (PA), Bemidji State University (MN), and Minnesota State University.

Three National Titles in Four Years for Michigan Powerhouse

Under the leadership of head coach Tony Annese, the Bulldogs have claimed national championships in 2021, 2022, and most recently 2024, compiling a staggering 50-5 record over the past four seasons. The team has appeared in the national semifinals six times in the last eight seasons and currently holds the highest win percentage (.867) among all Michigan collegiate football programs since 2012, posting a 137-21 record during that period.

Michigan Roots Driving Sustained Success and Hoops in Local Recruiting

A key factor in the program’s sustained dominance has been strategic recruitment from West Michigan. Athletic director Steve Brockelbank highlighted that Coach Annese emphasized “fighting hard to win West Michigan,” securing local talent such as quarterback Trinidad Chambliss from Forest Hills Northern and slotback Brady Rose from Muskegon Mona Shores—both of whom have become integral contributors

Michigan Rivalry and Statewide Implications

The high ranking again positions Ferris State as a national ambassador for college football in Michigan, where only a few programs—such as University of Michigan or Michigan State University—receive comparable attention. Grand Valley State’s No. 6 ranking also highlights the strength of Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) football and solidifies Michigan’s dual representation among the DII elite.

This visibility could translate into broader recruiting success, increased athletic department funding, and heightened community engagement for mid-sized public universities across the state.

Season Kickoff Set for August 28 Against Pittsburg State

The Bulldogs open the 2025 season at home against Pittsburg State University (Kansas) on Thursday, August 28 at Top Taggart Field. The matchup is being promoted as a “DII National Showdown,” as Pittsburg State has a strong postseason legacy of its own. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Season tickets are now available and can be purchased through the team’s official site at FerrisStateBulldogs.com/Tickets.

A New Era of Dominance in NCAA DII Football

With an unmatched win percentage, multiple national titles, and national attention, Ferris State is shaping a legacy rarely seen in NCAA Division II athletics. Whether the Bulldogs can sustain this pace and add another championship remains to be seen, but all indicators suggest that the program is far from finished.

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