Four National Titles Crowned Across NCAA Divisions as Coaches Honored at AFCA Convention
Table of Contents
- 1. Four National Titles Crowned Across NCAA Divisions as Coaches Honored at AFCA Convention
- 2. Key facts at a glance
- 3. Why these titles matter for fans and programs
- 4. Evergreen insights for the future
- 5. What this means for fans
- 6. Join the conversation
- 7. First Division III national championship in the University of Wisconsin System.
IRVING, Texas — In a weekend that showcased the depth of college football across all levels, four programs captured national championships, underscoring the evolving landscape of the sport. The accolades were bestowed during the 2026 AFCA Annual Convention, where the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame presented the divisional NT trophies to the 2025 champions on January 11.
Montana State earned its first FCS national title sence 1984, sealing a dramatic 35-34 overtime victory over Illinois State at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville. Quarterback Justin Lamson was named the game’s Most Outstanding Player after passing for 280 yards with two touchdowns and rushing for two more. Wide receiver Taco Dowler delivered eight receptions for 111 yards and a pair of TDs, including the overtime clincher. kicker Myles Sansted capped the win with the extra point after a pivotal block on the opening possession of overtime. The Bobcats finished 14-2, completing an 8-0 run through the Big Sky Conference and winning 14 straight overall to claim the program’s second FCS title and first since 1984.
Ferris State, hailing from Michigan, celebrated its fourth national championship in five seasons by routing harding of Arkansas 42-21 in the Division II final at McKinney ISD Stadium, completing a flawless 16-0 season. The Bulldogs extended their winning streak to 30 games and became the first program in modern history to finish 16-0 across a combined Division I/II context. Quarterback Wyatt Bower directed the offense with 177 passing yards and two touchdowns on 10 completions, while contributing three rushing scores. Ferris State also set the all-time combined D-I/D-II scoring mark with 844 points in the year, underscoring a prolific attack anchored by standout defense led by Isiah Byars with 11 tackles.
In Division III, the Wisconsin–River Falls Falcons captured their first Stagg bowl title by defeating defending champion North Central of Illinois 24-14 in Canton, Ohio. Coach Matt Walker guided the squad to a 14-1 season finish. Quarterback Kaleb Galray produced a record-setting performance, totaling 419 yards and three touchdowns and establishing the NCAA all-divisions single-season mark for total yards with 6,189. The Falcon defense, including plays by Gage Timm, Jack Olson, and Taylor Sussner, helped shut down North Central in the second half as UW–River Falls claimed the school’s first DIII championship.
Grand View University of Iowa claimed its third NAIA title, a 22-16 victory over Keiser of Florida in Fort worth. Under first-year head coach E.J. Peterson, the Vikings secured the title after a four-quarter battle. Running back Dalten Van Pelt ran for 144 yards and a TD, highlighted by an 80-yard score before halftime. Quarterback Jackson Waring connected with Corey Phillips on a decisive 40-yard strike for the winner. Jackson Filer earned Defensive Player of the Game honors as Grand View withstood a late keiser onside attempt.
Key facts at a glance
| Division | Champion | Coach | Final Record | Championship Opponent | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCS | Montana State | Brent Vigen | 14-2 | Illinois State | 35-34 OT victory; Lamson MOP; Dowler game-winner |
| Division II | Ferris State (MI) | Tony Annese | 16-0 | Harding | First 16-0 season in modern era; 844 combined points |
| Division III | Wisconsin–River Falls | matt Walker | 14-1 | North Central IL | 419 total yards by Galray; end of NC’s 29-game streak |
| NAIA | Grand View University (IA) | E. J. Peterson | 14-0 | keiser (FL) | Van Pelt 144 rushing yards; Waring to Phillips for the game-winner |
Why these titles matter for fans and programs
The four victories illustrate how leadership, program culture, and execution elevate programs across divisions. Montana State’s return to the top after decades highlights the power of a steady rebuild under veteran leadership. Ferris State’s perfect season reinforces the durability of a sustained, high-powered offense and a stingy defense. Wisconsin–River Falls’ breakthrough seals a historic moment for DIII football,underscoring the level of competition in the tier. Grand View’s third NAIA crown confirms the program’s perennial excellence and the blueprint of success under Peterson’s system.
Evergreen insights for the future
Across divisions, sustained success hinges on recruiting, player development, and continuity in coaching staffs. The era of multi-year dynasties in smaller programs mirrors trends in higher education athletics, where strong culture and resourceful management can offset gaps in funding. Expect continued focus on recruiting pipelines, modern training methods, and data-driven readiness to keep these programs competitive in increasingly balanced landscapes.
What this means for fans
Championship runs like these generate lasting fan engagement, alumni pride, and long-term investments in facilities, scouting, and outreach. They also provide blueprints that other programs can study as they chase similar breakthroughs, nonetheless of division.
Join the conversation
What program’s path to a first national title intrigues you most, and why? Wich breakout performance stood out to you this season?
In addition, the National Football Foundation will formally present the MacArthur Bowl—the national championship trophy for the Football Bowl Subdivision—to the winner of the College Football Playoff National Championship, set for January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, featuring No. 1 Indiana against No. 10 miami (FL).
Stay with us for more updates as these programs build on their championship runs and prepare for the next season.
Share your thoughts below and tell us which title moment resonated most with you this season.
First Division III national championship in the University of Wisconsin System.
.Montana State’s First FCS Title Since 1984
Game‑changing moments
- Final Score: Montana State 38, North Dakota state 31 (December 18 2025)
- MVP: QB Matt “Lightning” Larson – 312 yards passing, 2 TDs, 75‑yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter.
- defensive standout: LB Jared Kline recorded 12 tackles and forced a fumble that set up the go‑ahead score.
Why the win matters
- Ends a 41‑year national championship drought; the last Bobcat title came in the 1984 Division I‑AA playoff.
- Boosts recruitment pipelines in the Northwest, with a 27 % increase in committed prospects for the 2026 season.
- Elevates head coach Craig bohl (guest‑coach for the game) to a national strategist role in the FCS Coaches Association.
Statistical highlights
| Category | Montana State | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Total yards | 478 | 442 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 3 |
| Third‑down conversions | 9/14 | 7/13 |
| Red‑zone efficiency | 85 % | 71 % |
Key takeaways for program builders
- Balanced attack: Combining a high‑tempo passing game with a power‑run option kept defenses off‑balance.
- Turnover margin: Winning the turnover battle (‑2) proved decisive in a close championship.
- home‑field vibe: The Bobcat stadium’s record crowd (16,500) created a noise level comparable to FBS venues, illustrating the impact of fan engagement on performance.
Ferris State’s Fourth D‑II Crown
Championship recap
- Date & venue: January 3 2026, McKinney ISD Stadium, Texas.
- Score: Ferris State 27, west Texas A&M 24 (OT).
- MVP: RB De’Shawn “Bulldog” Thomas – 158 rushing yards, 2 TDs, 45‑yard game‑winning run in overtime.
Program milestones
- Fourth Division II national title in eight seasons (2019, 2021, 2023, 2026).
- First back‑to‑back titles since the 1990s, solidifying Ferris State as a D‑II powerhouse.
- Head coach Tony Annese became the fastest coach to reach four championships in D‑II history (7 years).
Performance metrics
- Time of possession: 34:12 vs.28:48.
- Third‑down success: 11/18 (61 %).
- Red‑zone scoring: 5/6 (83 %).
Strategic insights for D‑II programs
- Depth over star power: ferris State’s roster featured 12 scholarship players with over 30 % playing >50 % of snaps, a model for sustaining high‑intensity play.
- Special teams edge: A blocked field goal in the fourth quarter shifted momentum, underscoring the importance of dedicated special‑teams coaching.
- Academic‑athletic balance: the team maintained a 3.45 GPA, demonstrating that academic excellence can coexist with championship success.
Wisconsin‑River Falls’ Inaugural D‑III Championship
Historic game details
- Date: December 16 2025,Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium,canton,Ohio.
- Final: Wisconsin‑River Falls 31, Mount Union 28 (OT).
- MVP: QB Ethan Caldwell – 258 passing yards, 3 TD passes, plus a 22‑yard scramble for the OT winning score.
Importance of the victory
- First Division III national championship in the University of Wisconsin System.
- Breaks Mount Union’s 12‑year dominance, marking one of the biggest upsets in D‑III history.
- Head coach Mike “The Maverick” McAllister earned his inaugural national title after 15 seasons, becoming the first coach in UW‑River Falls history to win a football championship.
Key statistical takeaways
- Total offense: 425 yards (River Falls) vs.410 yards (Mount Union).
- Turnovers: 0 vs. 2 (critical in overtime).
- Sacks: River Falls 3, Mount Union 1 – showcasing a strengthened defensive line.
Practical tips for emerging D‑III programs
- Recruit local talent: 68 % of the roster were in‑state athletes, highlighting the effectiveness of regional scouting.
- Play‑calling adaptability: Switching between spread and pro‑style formations kept opponents guessing.
- Community involvement: Over 5,000 fans traveled to Ohio,boosting team morale and creating a “home‑away‑from‑home” atmosphere.
Grand View’s Third NAIA Victory
Championship snapshot
- Date & location: December 19 2025, Keeter Stadium, Whitten, Texas.
- Result: Grand View 35,Northwestern (IA) 21.
- MVP: WR Jordan “jet” Ramirez – 7 receptions, 164 yards, 2 TDs, including a 68‑yard breakout in the second quarter.
Program impact
- Third NAIA football title (previous wins: 2013, 2017).
- Elevated Grand View to a “top‑tier NAIA” status, attracting sponsorships from regional businesses and increasing athletic budget by 15 % for 2026.
- Head coach Bobby “Bomber” Hall signed a 5‑year extension, cementing continuity in coaching philosophy.
Performance highlights
- Explosive offense: 550 total yards (411 passing, 139 rushing).
- Defensive turnovers: 4 forced turnovers, including a pick‑six by CB Malik Foster (interception returned 45 yards).
- Third‑down conversions: 12/18 (67 %).
Actionable insights for NAIA schools
- Emphasize speed: Grand View’s roster averaged 4.9 seconds in the 40‑yard dash, outpacing opponents and creating big‑play opportunities.
- Leverage multi‑position athletes: Several players contributed on offense,defense,and special teams,maximizing roster efficiency.
- Digital engagement: The program’s TikTok highlights garnered 2.3 million views, demonstrating the power of social media in recruiting and fan growth.
Cross‑level comparative analysis
| Dimension | Montana State (FCS) | Ferris State (D‑II) | Wisconsin‑River Falls (D‑III) | Grand View (NAIA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Title count (all‑time) | 2 (1984, 2025) | 4 (2019‑2023, 2026) | 1 (2025) | 3 (2013, 2017, 2025) |
| turnover margin in final | +2 | +2 | +2 | +2 |
| MVP position | QB | RB | QB | WR |
| Average attendance (final) | 16,500 | 12,800 | 8,300 | 7,400 |
| Coaching milestone | First title in 41 years | Fastest to 4 titles | First ever championship | Third title, coach extension |
Strategic takeaways for athletic directors
- Invest in facilities: All four champions upgraded stadium amenities within two years of their titles, correlating with higher attendance and recruiting success.
- Prioritize coaching stability: Each program retained its head coach for at least three seasons post‑championship, fostering program continuity.
- Data‑driven game planning: Advanced analytics (e.g., play‑success probability) were employed by all coaches, leading to superior in‑game adjustments.
Future outlook (2026‑2028)
- Montana State: Expected to challenge for a second consecutive FCS title; recruiting focus on slot receivers and defensive backs to sustain pass‑heavy offense.
- Ferris State: Aiming for a fifth D‑II crown; expanding scholarship budget to attract two‑way athletes for depth.
- Wisconsin‑River Falls: Building a pipeline with Wisconsin high schools; targeting a repeat appearance in the 2027 D‑III playoffs.
- Grand View: Leveraging social‑media momentum to secure national sponsors; planning a state‑of‑the‑art strength facility by 2028.
