The last two NCAA Division II national champions have dominated the 2025 football season. Can anyone stop Ferris State or Harding in the playoffs?
We’ll find out as the D2 postseason unfolds across five weeks in November and December, with 32 teams vying to hoist the trophy in McKinney, Texas.
Defending champion Ferris State enters the playoffs as the favorite, with the Bulldogs looking for their fourth title in five years. Harding interrupted that run with the 2023 crown and has championship aspirations again this year, along with fellow No. 1 seeds Kutztown and Albany State.
Who will come out on top in the end?
The Sporting News has all the details on the 2025 Division II football playoffs, including a complete schedule with live stream information.
How to watch NCAA D2 football playoffs
The first round through the semifinals will stream live on ESPN+.
Catch all your favorite ESPN+ action with ESPN Select! Just download the new ESPN app, sign in with your ESPN account, tap Subscribe to ESPN Select, and you’re set to stream live sports, originals, and more—all in one place.
The championship game on Dec. 20 will be broadcast by ESPN2 and can also be streamed via Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
NCAA D2 football playoffs 2025 schedule, scores
Saturday, Nov. 22 – First round
| Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|
| No. 1 Kutztown vs. Bentley | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 4 Indiana (PA) vs. Assumption | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 2 Johnson C. Smith vs. Frostburg State | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 3 Virginia Union vs. California (PA) | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 1 Albany State (GA) vs. Valdosta State | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 4 Wingate vs. Benedict | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 2 West Florida vs. North Greenville | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 3 Newberry vs. Kentucky State | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 1 Ferris State vs. Northwood | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 4 Ashland vs. Minnesota Duluth | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 2 Findlay vs. Minnesota State-Mankato | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 3 UIndy vs. Truman State | 1 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 1 Harding vs. Northwest Missouri State | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 4 Pittsburg State vs. Chadron State | 2 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 3 CSU Pueblo vs. UT Permian Basin | 3 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| No. 2 Central Washington vs. Western Colorado | 4 p.m. | ESPN+ |
NCAA D2 football bracket 2025
The full bracket for this year’s D2 playoffs is below:
The #D2FB bracket is officially here! 🏈 🏆#MakeItYours | https://t.co/9ZvdkIwAfH pic.twitter.com/WcDq5GBO3h
— NCAA Division II (@NCAADII) November 16, 2025
D2 football playoffs round-by-round schedule 2025
| Round | Dates |
|---|---|
| First round | Nov. 22 |
| Second round | Nov. 29 |
| Quarterfinals | Dec. 6 |
| Semifinals* | Dec. 13 |
| Final | Dec. 20 |
* Teams will be reseeded for semifinals
NCAA D2 football champions list
The last 10 Division II football champions are listed below.
| Year | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Ferris State | Valdosta State |
| 2023 | Harding | Colorado School of Mines |
| 2022 | Ferris State | Colorado School of Mines |
| 2021 | Ferris State | Valdosta State |
| 2019 | West Florida | Minnesota State |
| 2018 | Valdosta State | Ferris State |
| 2017 | Texas A&M-Commerce | West Florida |
| 2016 | Northwest Missouri State | North Alabama |
| 2015 | Northwest Missouri State | Shepherd |
| 2014 | Colorado State-Pueblo | Minnesota State-Mankato |