A team projected to win by 98 points. How could a team possibly be this good that they are almost projected to win by 100 points?
Ferris State University has long demonstrated that its football program belongs among the elite, consistently showcasing championship-level talent and a level of dominance that rivals many Division I teams. Despite competing in Division II, the Bulldogs have amassed multiple national titles and playoff appearances in recent years, proving time and again that they have outgrown their current classification.
In fact, ESPN has ranked Ferris State higher than 18 Division I college football teams in their power rankings, a remarkable testament to the program’s strength and competitiveness against top-tier opponents.
Ferris St. has also been in the news recently because their star QB was just picked up by Ole Miss. The 4th-ranked team in the country! He was put in as a backup, but the starter got hurt, so he was put in. No past of playing on a Division 1 team. He has now been playing so well that he is ranked 7th in the country for the Heisman. That means the best player in the game of D1! This just shows how Ferris St. produces exceptional athletes and has the talent of D1 and more.
Beyond their on-field success, Ferris State benefits from a passionate and growing fan base that fills the stadium with energy and enthusiasm, reflecting strong community support that is essential for a thriving Division I program. The university’s commitment to athletics is evident through its investments in facilities and infrastructure, which already rival or surpass those of some Division I schools, signaling that the logistical challenges of moving up a division are well within reach.
The only reason that Ferris St. is not Division 1 is because of their school enrollment size. They have 9,500 students, and the lowest D1 team is 11,000. Yes, they have a small size compared to other schools, but their sports teams are better than those of other schools. Division 1 should not be based on size, but on competition and athleticism.
Geographically, Ferris State’s location in Michigan places it in a sports-rich region, where the move to Division I would spark regional rivalries between all the Michigan teams and attract increased media attention and sponsorship opportunities, further boosting the program’s profile.
Altogether, these factors make a compelling case that Ferris State is ready—not just to compete, but to thrive—at the Division I level, and elevating the Bulldogs would not only reward a program that has proven itself but also enrich the broader college football landscape with a team steeped in tradition, talent, and tenacity. Overall, Ferris St. has the potential to be one of the great teams in college football, even though they don’t have the attendance size, they have the passion and the athleticism to become a phenomenal D1 team.
