Final Four teams at a glance

A look at the four best teams in Division II football

Valdosta State University (No. 1 seed):

Hometown: Valdosta, Georgia

Mascot: Blazers

Enrollment: 11,220

Head Coach & Record: In just his third seasons at the helm, Kerwin Bell has been able to return the Blazers to national prominence as he has a 25-7 record in these three seasons.

2018 Record: 12-0

Top Players: Sophomore quarterback Rogan Wells, freshman linebacker Jameon Gaskin, freshman running back Jamar Thompkins

Playoff Tidbit: The Blazers are the last chance to have a repeat champion this season, as they are the only previous National Champions remaining in this field of four.

Notable Alumni: West Virginia Head Football Coach Dana Holgorsen, Atlanta Falcons Offensive Tackle Ryan Schraeder, Actress Pauley Perrette

 

Minnesota State University, Mankato (No. 2 seed):

Hometown: Mankato, Minnesota

Mascot: Mavericks

Enrollment: 15,110

Head Coach & Record: Since taking over in 2008, Todd Hoffner has transformed the Mavericks into a perennial contender, with a record of 92-20 in the past nine seasons.

2018 Record: 13-0

Top Players: Junior running back Nate Gunn, junior linebacker Alex Goettl, junior wide receiver Shane Zylstra

Playoff Tidbit: Minnesota State-Mankato is looking to get back to its second National Championship Game appearance since 2014.

Notable Alumni: Minnesota Vikings Wide Receiver Adam Thielen, Boston Bruins Forward David Backes, Minnesota Timberwolves Owner Glen Taylor

 

Ferris State University (No. 3 seed):

Hometown: Big Rapids. Michigan

Mascot: Bulldogs

Enrollment: 14,707

Head Coach & Record: Tony Annese took over a struggling program and has transformed it into a national powerhouse with a 74-14 record in seven seasons.

2018 Record: 14-0

Top Players: Junior quarterback Jayru Campbell, freshman wide receiver Sy Barnett, junior defensive end Austin Edwards

Playoff Tidbit: The Bulldogs are making their second semifinal appearance in the last three seasons.

Notable Alumni: Former Tennessee Head Football Coach Butch Jones, Red Wings Coach Jeff Blashill, Chicago Blackhawks Forward Chris Kunitz

 

Notre Dame College (No. 4 seed):

Hometown: South Euclid, Ohio

Mascot: Falcons

Enrollment: 2,100

Head Coach & Record: Mike Jacobs is in just his third season leading the Falcons. In those three seasons, he has led Notre Dame to its three most successful seasons in school history. Overall he has a record of 30-5.

2018 Record: 13-0

Top Players: Freshman running back Jaleel McLaughlin, junior defensive lineman Sha’Haun Williams, junior wide receiver Marvelle Ross

Playoff Tidbit: Having by far the best season in their program’s history, the Falcons are making their first semifinal appearance.

Notable Alumni: MMA Fighter Joey Davis, UFC Fighter Cody Garbrandt, Former NCAA Basketball Player and Current Fox Sports Basketball Analyst Doug Gottlieb

 

For coverage of the NCAA Division II National Semifinals and National Championship, click here.