Ferris State has won the NCAA Division II football championship three of the last four years and appears well on its way to another crown this season.
After an unbeaten regular season, the top-ranked Bulldogs' drive for another title begins Saturday with a first-round playoff game against Northwood.
The Timberwolves are back in the bracket for the first time since 2006 after going 9-2 in the regular season, their only losses coming against perennial G-MAC powers Ashland and Findlay. Quarterback Ethan Hamby leads the way for Northwood; his 2,256 passing yards through 11 games shattered the previous school record of 1,910, and his 22 passing TDs also are the most in NU history.
Ferris State will be by far the toughest challenge yet for the Timberwolves, though. The Bulldogs are averaging a staggering 515.5 yards and 52.7 points per game and have won their games by an average margin of 35 points. The two-QB combo of Wyatt Bower and Chase Carter leads the way, with the pair not only throwing the ball but serving as the Bulldogs' top two rushers this season at 735 and 609 yards, respectively.
The Bulldogs are something to behold. Here's how to tune in and watch all the action.
Where to watch Ferris State vs. Northwood
- TV channel: None
- Live stream: ESPN+
Ferris State vs. Northwood will not air on traditional broadcast television, but fans can stream the showdown live on ESPN+.
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Ferris State vs. Northwood start time
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 22
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
The Ferris State vs. Northwood first-round game will kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 22.
The game will be played at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids, Michigan.
NCAA D2 football playoffs schedule 2025
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+ |