Harding University’s historic run came to an emotional close Saturday as the Bisons fell 42–21 to Ferris State in the NCAA Division II National Championship. Harding finished the season 15-1, completing one of the greatest campaigns in program history.
Both teams entered the title matchup undefeated, marking a national showdown between two of the nation’s most dominant programs. Harding had not lost a game since the 2024 NCAA playoffs—also to Ferris State—while the Bulldogs extended their own national-best winning streak to 30 games.
Harding running back Andrew Miller led the Bisons with 70 rushing yards and a touchdown, but Ferris State’s explosive offensive performance proved too much to overcome.
Despite the setback, Harding’s 2025 season stands as a defining chapter under Head Coach Paul Simmons, whose leadership has transformed the program into a national contender.
Coach Paul Simmons: A Legacy of Excellence at Harding University
When Paul Simmons became Harding’s 13th head football coach in 2017, he began what has become the most successful era in Bisons football history. His achievements include:
Championships, Records, and Historic Success
Led Harding to the 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship, the university’s first-ever NCAA national title in any sport.
Amassed a stunning 77-14 overall record, becoming Harding’s fastest coach to reach 50 wins.
Posted an .870 conference winning percentage, with nine or more wins every season and five seasons with 10+ wins.
Guided the Bisons to 2021, 2023, and 2024 Great American Conference championships.
Harding has never finished lower than second in the GAC during his tenure.
Reached the NCAA Division II Playoffs six times, with a 10-5 playoff record—more playoff wins than any other active GAC coach.
Advanced to the national semifinals in 2017, the Super Region 3 finals in 2024, and won it all in 2023.
Harding has appeared in the AFCA Top 25 every season of his career, peaking at No. 1 in 2023.
National Recognition
Simmons has been honored with some of college football’s highest coaching awards:
2023 AFCA National Coach of the Year
2023 Don Hansen National Coach of the Year
2023 D2Football.com National Coach of the Year
2023 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Sportsperson of the Year
2023 GAC Coach of the Year
Player Development & Academic Excellence
Under Simmons:
102 players earned All-GAC honors
43 players received All-America recognition
Harding totaled 152 Academic All-GAC recipients and 12 Academic All-Americans
Roots, Experience & Playing Career
Before becoming head coach, Simmons:
Spent 11 seasons as an assistant at Harding, serving as defensive coordinator from 2010–2016
Coached 21 Harding postseason games
Led Harding Academy (Tennessee) to multiple semifinal appearances as head coach
Was a three-time All-American at Harding as a linebacker/defensive end
Inducted into the Harding Athletics Hall of Fame in 1999
A native of Ashdown, Arkansas, Simmons is married to Kimberly (Hatcher) Simmons, and they have three children.
Looking Ahead
Though the Bisons fell short of their championship goal, Harding University leaves the 2025 season with pride, resilience, and a foundation built on excellence. Under Paul Simmons, the Bisons remain one of the strongest and most respected programs in NCAA Division II football.
Harding now turns its focus to the 2026 season with championship aspirations and a roster shaped by one of the nation’s most accomplished head coaches.
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