2025 DII Football Championship: Selection Show Details and Schedule
The 2025 NCAA Division II Football Championship is almost here, and fans are buzzing about which teams will make the cut. The 32-team field—16 automatic qualifiers and 8 at-large bids per super region—should bring some wild matchups and a few surprises along the way.
Let’s dig into the details: schedule, a bit of history, and what’s worth keeping an eye on as the tournament plays out.
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2025 NCAA DII Football Championship: Key Dates and Schedule
Everything kicks off with the selection show at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 16. You can catch it live on NCAA.com.
This is where we’ll finally see which 32 teams are in, and which ones will be left wondering what could’ve been.
First Round
The first round goes down on Saturday, Nov. 22. Expect some gritty games right out of the gate—nobody wants to go home early.
Second Round
Winners move on to the second round, set for Saturday, Nov. 29. If you’re a fan of high-stakes football, this is where things really start to heat up.
Quarterfinals
The quarterfinals are locked in for Saturday, Dec. 6. Only the best will be left standing, each with their eyes on the semifinals.
Semifinals
Semifinal action happens on Saturday, Dec. 13, broadcast on ESPN+. Two teams will punch their ticket to the championship game—should be intense.
National Championship
Finally, the national championship game is at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, airing on ESPNU. One team walks away as the 2025 NCAA Division II Football Champion. No pressure, right?
Historical Context: Past Champions and Memorable Moments
The NCAA Division II Football Championship has been around since 1973. Over the decades, plenty of teams have made their mark—some with legendary runs, others with just one shining moment.
Recent Champions
Ferris State took home its third title in four years in 2024, cruising past Valdosta State 49-14. Coach Tony Annese has really built something special there.
Other recent champs worth mentioning:
- 2023: Harding, coached by Paul Simmons, rolled over Colorado School of Mines 38-7.
- 2022: Ferris State again, this time beating Colorado School of Mines 41-14.
- 2021: Ferris State dismantled Valdosta State 58-17.
- 2020: No championship—pandemic year.
- 2019: West Florida, led by Pete Shinnick, edged past Minnesota State 48-40 in a classic.
Memorable Moments
Honestly, the tournament’s history is packed with wild finishes and jaw-dropping plays. Last-second touchdowns, defensive stands, and underdog stories—there’s always something to talk about.
What to Watch For: Key Teams and Players
Looking ahead to 2025, a few teams and players just jump off the page. Here’s who I’d keep tabs on if I were you:
Ferris State
Three titles in four years? Ferris State is the team everyone’s gunning for. Coach Annese and the Bulldogs have set the bar high, and they’re not likely to slow down now.
Valdosta State
Valdosta State came up short in 2024, but don’t count them out. The Blazers have the pedigree and motivation to make another deep run.
Harding
Harding’s 2023 championship proved they can hang with anyone. Coach Simmons will have them ready—nobody’s overlooking them this year.
Players to Watch
Teams win games, but sometimes it’s one or two players who steal the show. Here’s where the spotlight usually lands:
- Quarterbacks: Always the focus—can they handle the pressure and deliver when it matters?
- Running Backs: A strong ground game can totally change the flow of a game, especially in tough weather.
- Defensive Stars: Turnovers, big stops, momentum swings—defense can flip everything in a heartbeat.
Conclusion: Anticipation Builds for the 2025 Championship
The 2025 NCAA Division II Football Championship is shaping up to be a wild ride. High-stakes matchups? Absolutely. Unforgettable moments? You can count on it.
With the selection show just around the corner, fans are on edge, waiting to see who makes the 32-team field. The journey to the championship is about to kick off, and honestly, it’s hard not to get a little excited.
Division II football has a knack for delivering those electric games and breakout performances. This year feels like it could raise the bar even higher.
Want to keep tabs on every twist and turn? Head over to NCAA.com for updates and the latest news.
