The highly anticipated national semifinal clash between the No. 2-ranked Harding Bisons (14-0, 11-0) and the No. 3 Kutztown Golden Bears (14-0, 7-0) is set to take place on December 13, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Andre Reed Stadium in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Both teams enter this monumental matchup boasting perfect records, making this a historic encounter as it marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs with a berth in the National Championship at stake.
Fans can expect a fierce contest between the country’s top-tier defenses. Harding leads Division II by allowing just 9.6 points per game, while Kutztown ranks second with 11.6 points allowed. The game promises to be a showcase of defensive prowess, with both teams ranked among the top four nationally for total defense.
Offensively, Harding’s flexbone attack has been nothing short of spectacular. They shattered the NCAA all-division record for rushing yards in a season, accumulating 6,308 yards, and set a new record with 80 rushing touchdowns this season. Central to this offensive juggernaut is senior quarterback Cole Keylon, who is on the verge of making history. With 50 career victories under his belt, he needs just one more win to tie the record for the most wins by a quarterback in Division II history. Keylon is also a dual-threat player, holding Harding’s quarterback rushing record and contributing significantly in post-season performance.
The impact of fullback Andrew Miller cannot be understated. A finalist for the Harlon Hill Award, Miller ranks second in Division II with 1,821 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, standing poised to break Harding’s single-season rushing touchdown record. Slotback Braden Jay, the GAC Offensive Player of the Year, complements Miller’s efforts and is recognized nationally with an impressive average of 12.2 yards per rush and 21 rushing touchdowns this season.
On the defensive side, linebacker Clark Griffin epitomizes the spirit of Harding’s formidable defense, being named the GAC Defensive Player of the Year. Griffin leads the team in tackles and tackles for loss, demonstrating his crucial role in the Bisons’ defensive strategy throughout the playoffs. The defensive strength is further supported by a secondary that has excelled, recording 15 interceptions and only allowing eight touchdown passes all season.
The matchup will also highlight the physical battle at the line of scrimmage, featuring exceptional talent on both sides. Offensive lineman Jake Mitchell, in the hunt for the Gene Upshaw Award, will lead Harding’s offensive front, while defenders like Justin Sobczak and Kaden Spencer will aim to dismantle Kutztown’s offensive plans.
Special teams, often the unsung heroes in high-stakes games, will also play an essential role in this showdown. With both teams having proven reliable units, the outcome could hinge on momentum changes from special teams play.
As both teams prepare for this climactic encounter, fans are set to witness a remarkable display of talent, strategy, and competition, pitting two unbeaten forces against each other in a game that promises to be one for the ages. This matchup not only embodies the spirit of college football at its finest but also highlights the perseverance and determination of both programs as they vie for a place in the National Championship.