A small university in Michigan is on the verge of making college football history. Ferris State University’s football team needs just one more win to stand alone as the all-time record holder for consecutive victories in NCAA Division II.
The Bulldogs tied the existing record on Nov. 7 with a dominant 80-0 victory over Wayne State University, stretching their winning streak to 40 consecutive games. That mark matches the record previously set by Grand Valley State University during the 2007 season.
Ferris State has not lost a game since Aug. 31, 2024, when they fell to the Pittsburg State Gorillas. Since then, the Bulldogs have claimed back-to-back NCAA Division II National Championships — in both 2024 and 2025 — and currently sit at No. 1 in the Division II rankings. Along the way, they have defeated other highly ranked programs including Michigan Tech, Davenport, and Central Washington.
Young Talent Stepping Up
Head coach Tony Annese, who has led the program since the 2012 season, credited the team’s depth — including contributions from newer players — as a key factor in sustaining the streak. Freshman quarterback Marcel Jones has been among those making an impact.
Annese said of his young players:
“He did a really nice job as did a lot of the young guys. It just shows… the level of depth that we have. The future is bright.”
Under Annese’s leadership, Ferris State has built a reputation as the nation’s winningest Division II football program over the past decade.
University Leadership Weighs In
FSU President Bill Pink has praised both the coaching staff and student athletes for their consistent excellence, pointing to success that extends beyond the football field.
“I’d put our coaches up against any coaches in the country for not only what our student athletes do in the field and on the court and on the ice, but also with how they work with our student athletes in such a good way,”
Pink said.
The Bulldogs will have their chance to make history on Saturday, Nov. 14, when they host the Roosevelt University Lakers in Big Rapids, Michigan. A win would give Ferris State the outright record for most consecutive wins in NCAA Division II football history.