2025 Ferris State Football Season Preview
The defending national champions, who have captured three of the last four NCAA D2 National Championships, look to reload in 2025 behind a deep nucleus of veteran talent and the addition of several key newcomers. The Bulldogs have made a nation-leading 10 consecutive trips to the D2 Playoffs and have the country’s best record over the past decade. Ferris State is again the nation's preseason #1 team in the country by both the AFCA and Lindy's Sports.
A total of eight standout players moved on to the NCAA Division I ranks, including QB Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss), RB Kannon Katzer (West Virginia), OT Bryce George (Iowa), OG Lawrence Hattar (Michigan), LB Sefa Saipaia (Western Michigan), DB Lento Smith (Tulsa), WR Tyrese Hunt-Thompson (North Texas) and DB Jacarvis Alexandre (Jacksonville State). Both Hunt-Thompson & Alexandre were hurt and missed last year’s playoff run.
Despite those who departed, the Bulldogs welcome back a veteran nucleus at multiple positions and brought in several transfer players from both JUCO and four-year institutions in addition to signing another standout recruiting class. Several redshirt freshmen also have the ability to step in and contribute immediately this fall.
Offensively, the Bulldogs welcome the return of QB Carson Gulker, who missed nearly all of last season. Talented playmakers return in Brady Rose, Taariik Brett, Cam Underwood and Deion Small along with three starters on the offensive line in Tim and Bob Anderson along with Jarvis Windom. A pair of key reserves from last year, Dayne Arnett and Ben Przytula, also return on the offensive front and are expected to step into bigger roles.
Defensively, the Bulldogs return a wealth of talent in the secondary highlighted by veterans Justin Payoute (S), Ahlston Ware (CB), Jalen Jones (DB) and Gyasi Mattison (DB). The defensive line welcomes back veterans Tyrone Fowler (DE), Tim Allen (DE), Kailib Davis (DT) and Sio Saipaia (DT) in addition to several others who played last fall. The Bulldogs look to rebolster the linebacker corps behind transfers Nolan Ziegler and Liko Johnson in addition to a returning group of reserves along with additional newcomers.
Standout kicker Mitch Middleton is also back for his senior campaign and former placekicker Eddie Jewett returns to the lineup after a year away to strengthen the kicking corps.
Overall, Ferris State looks to reload yet again and has the talent on paper to again compete with the GLIAC and nation’s best heading into 2025. A difficult schedule awaits with the Bulldogs opening up against Pittsburg State on Aug. 28 in Big Rapids. FSU will also host a returning playoff team in Tiffin and play host to rival Grand Valley State in the Anchor-Bone Classic before closing the year with pivotal road matchups at Saginaw Valley State and Davenport in November.