What Is Ferris State Football?

Ferris State football is the NCAA Division II program representing Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, competing primarily in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). In recent seasons the Bulldogs have emerged as a national force, consistently qualifying for the playoffs and contending deep into the NCAA Division II bracket.[3][4]

The 2025 season has reinforced that status, with Ferris State entering the Division II semifinals unbeaten and leading the nation in scoring offense.[3][2] Their blend of physical line play and explosive offense has made the Bulldogs one of the most closely watched programs in the DII postseason.

2025 Playoff Run and Offensive Dominance

In 2025, Ferris State stormed through the Super Region with decisive wins, including a 65–14 opening playoff rout of Northwood and a 52–29 victory over Minnesota State, to earn their place in the national semifinals.[2] Those results highlight a team that can seize control early and maintain pressure for four quarters.

Statistically, the Bulldogs’ offense has been among the most productive in the country, averaging 53.8 points and 306.5 rushing yards per game while scoring 63 rushing touchdowns through 14 contests.[3] With a feature back in Chase Carter surpassing 1,000 rushing yards and seven players over 300 yards on the ground, Ferris State’s attack is built on both star power and depth.[3]

Tim Anderson and the Bulldogs’ Offensive Line

Senior right tackle Tim Anderson’s selection as the 2025 Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year underscores the importance of the offensive line to Ferris State’s success.[3] The award, voted on by NCAA Division II sports information directors, recognizes the nation’s top senior lineman and confirms Anderson as one of the premier trench players in college football at this level.

Anderson leads a veteran front that includes his twin brother Bob Anderson, Dayne Arnett, Jarvis Windom and Ben Przytula, a group that has allowed only 17 sacks while powering one of the most efficient rushing attacks in Division II.[3] Their dominance in the trenches has been a defining factor in Ferris State’s unbeaten record and their push toward another potential national championship appearance.

National Impact and the DII Title Picture

Within the 2025 NCAA Division II championship bracket, Ferris State stands as one of the final four teams still in contention, with semifinal matchups determining which programs will advance to the national title game.[2][4] The Bulldogs’ presence at this stage has become increasingly routine, signaling the program’s sustained ability to recruit, develop and retain top talent.

Ferris State’s current run is also reshaping perceptions of Division II football by bringing more attention to the GLIAC and to DII postseason play as a whole.[3][4] Their combination of star linemen, explosive offense and consistent playoff success has made Ferris State football a major storyline in the national college football landscape, far beyond its regional roots.