The undefeated and second-ranked Harding University in Searcy Bisons are on the road to Pennsylvania for their NCAA Division II national semi-final matchup against third-ranked Kutztown University. Harding punched its ticket to the semis with a hard-fought 34–28 win over 10th-ranked UT Permian Basin on Saturday, marking the program’s third appearance in the national semifinals.
This weekend’s game will be the first-ever meeting between Harding and Kutztown.
Some Bison fans have expressed frustration over the NCAA’s decision to host the game in Pennsylvania rather than Searcy, arguing Harding has been the higher-ranked team in every major poll all season and defeated three ranked opponents during regional play. By contrast, Kutztown faced two unranked teams and one opponent outside the Top 20 in its regional bracket.
Supporters hope the perceived slight will fuel the Bisons even further.
Harding enters the semifinals after breaking its own collegiate football record with 6,308 rushing yards this season. The Bisons boast the nation’s No. 1 rushing offense and the No. 1 scoring defense, making them one of the most balanced and dominant teams in Division II.
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. Saturday and will air on ESBN+.
The winner will face either Ferris State or Newberry for the national championship on December 20 in McKinney, Texas.
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