If you were looking for parity in the final stretch of 2025, you didn't find it in Big Rapids. Ferris State didn't just win; they essentially rewrote the book on what a modern dynasty looks like. When the final ncaa dii football rankings from the AFCA and D2Football.com dropped in late December, there was zero debate. The Bulldogs sat at the top with a perfect 16-0 record.
Think about that for a second. Sixteen wins. In one season.
They became the first team in the modern era of either Division I or Division II to pull that off. Honestly, it’s the kind of stat that feels like a glitch in a video game. But it’s real. Under Tony Annese, this program has turned the postseason into their personal playground, winning four of the last five national titles. Their 42-21 dismantling of Harding in the championship game in McKinney, Texas, wasn't just a victory; it was a statement.
The Final Top 10 Breakdown
The year-end polls reflect a season where the "haves" and "have-nots" were separated by a canyon-sized gap. While Ferris State was the unanimous king, the rest of the top 10 saw some wild movement as the playoffs weeded out the pretenders.
- 1. Ferris State (16-0): Unanimous. Undisputed. 844 points scored on the season.
- 2. Harding (15-1): They ran into a buzzsaw in the final, but their triple-option was nearly unstoppable until then.
- 3. Kutztown (14-1): A massive year for the Golden Bears. They pushed into the semifinals before Harding ended their run.
- 4. Newberry (12-2): Easily the biggest climber. They started the postseason lower but clawed their way to a semifinal appearance.
- 5. UT Permian Basin (11-3): The Lone Star Power. They showed that Texas football is just as scary at the DII level.
- 6. Pittsburg State (10-3): A perennial powerhouse that stayed relevant despite a few mid-season stumbles.
- 7. Albany State (12-2): They dominated the SIAC and proved they belonged on the national stage.
- 8. Minnesota State (10-4): Mankato is always in the mix, and a deep playoff run boosted them back into the elite tier.
- 9. West Florida (10-2): Still one of the most dangerous programs in the South, even if they didn't reach the final this time.
- 10. UIndy (11-2): The Greyhounds were remarkably consistent all year long.
Kinda crazy how Newberry jumped from No. 16 all the way to No. 4, right? That’s the beauty of the playoff system. One good month of football can change the entire perception of your program.
Why the ncaa dii football rankings Matter More Than You Think
Most casual fans focus on the FBS and the "Power Four" chaos. But DII is where the real grit lives. These rankings aren't just for bragging rights; they determine home-field advantage in the Super Regionals.
📖 Related: Line Up of Manchester United Today: Why Carrick’s First Derby Team Sheet is a Total Curveball
In Super Region One, Kutztown basically owned the conversation. They went 14-1, with their only loss coming in the national semifinal. Meanwhile, in Super Region Four, the battle between Harding and Central Washington was a bloodbath all October. If you aren't tracking the regional rankings by Week 8, you're missing the real drama. The committee looks at "In-Region" winning percentage and strength of schedule with a microscope. It’s brutal.
The Harlon Hill Factor
You can't talk about the 2025 rankings without mentioning Curtis Allen. The Virginia Union running back took home the Harlon Hill Trophy (the DII Heisman). His performance kept Virginia Union in the top 25 for the entire season. When you have a transcendent talent like that, you’re never truly out of a game.
The Great Transfer Portal Drain
Here is the part nobody likes to talk about. DII is becoming a feeding ground for the FBS. Look at Amarie Fleming from Allen State. The guy was a terror on the edge, racking up 13.5 sacks. As soon as the season ended, he was gone to Texas Tech.
Then there’s Jibriel Conde from Grand Valley State. He’s a 6'5" mountain of a defensive tackle who just signed with Wisconsin. It makes you wonder how the ncaa dii football rankings will look in 2026. Can teams like Grand Valley or Truman State (who lost star corner Dominic Grand to the portal) reload fast enough?
Honestly, the "Way Too Early" 2026 outlook looks like more of the same. Ferris State returns Wyatt Bower, the quarterback who threw for two scores and ran for three more in the championship game. If you're betting against them, you probably haven't been paying attention.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Recruits
If you are following the DII landscape for the upcoming 2026 cycle, keep these points in mind:
- Watch the GLIAC and GAC: These conferences (home to Ferris State and Harding) are the gold standard. A one-loss team in the GLIAC is often better than an undefeated team in a weaker conference.
- Portal SZN is Real: Expect the spring transfer window to shake up the preseason 2026 rankings significantly. Watch where the top-tier DII talent lands—it’s a huge indicator of which programs have the best scouting.
- Regional Rankings are King: Don't get distracted by the national polls in October. The Super Region rankings (1 through 10) are the only ones that actually decide who gets into the 28-team playoff bracket.
- Don't Sleep on the RMAC: Teams like Colorado State-Pueblo and Western Colorado are consistently producing pro-level talent and moving up the polls.
The 2025 season is in the books, and the trophy is back in Big Rapids. Now, the 160+ other programs have about eight months to figure out how to stop a team that hasn't lost a game in over a year. Good luck with that.