Ferris State University’s Ferris State Football Roster for 2025 is the talk of Bulldog fans as the national champion program gears up for another season. The Ferris State Football Roster 2025 will combine experienced veterans and talented newcomers, reflecting the team’s recent success. With three NCAA Division II national titles in the past four seasons, Ferris State Bulldogs football (NCAA DII/GLIAC) has high expectations for its 2025 lineup. Below we provide a detailed, SEO-optimized overview of the Ferris State University football roster as it stands in 2025, including returning stars, key recruits, and roster structure.
Ferris State Bulldogs football players during a game, reflecting the team’s competitive spirit (image: Wikimedia Commons). The 2025 Ferris State football roster builds on a championship tradition. Led by Coach Tony Annese (D2Football.com’s 3-time National Coach of the Year), the Bulldogs have compiled a 50-5 record over the past four years and won titles in 2021, 2022 and 2024. This winning legacy means every player on the roster shoulders big expectations. Fans can expect Ferris State Football Roster content that highlights both star veterans and exciting freshmen.
Bulldogs Program Overview
Ferris State’s football program is a powerhouse in NCAA Division II. The Bulldogs compete in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and play home games at Top Taggart Field. In recent seasons under Coach Annese, Ferris State has dominated D-II football. As the official Ferris State news outlet notes, Ferris State “has also reached the NCAA Division II National Semifinals six times in the past eight seasons” and holds the best record in Michigan college football since 2012. The roster for 2025 continues this championship-caliber tradition. Returning players are seasoned by playoff experience, and the coaching vision focuses on discipline and adaptability.
Key program highlights: – National Titles: Ferris State won NCAA DII championships in 2021, 2022, and 2024. – Recent Record: The team went 50-5 over four years (including 14-1 in 2024). – GLIAC Dominance: Regular-season GLIAC champions in recent seasons, with many all-conference players.
This context means the 2025 roster includes both proven winners and fresh talent ready to contribute. Next, we break down the roster composition and highlight players to watch.
2025 Roster Overview
The 2025 Ferris State Football Roster will feature roughly 100 players across offense, defense, and special teams (typical for a college roster). Among them are key returning starters from the 2024 championship team as well as 33 new signees from high school and other programs. According to the Ferris State Torch, the Bulldogs brought in 33 freshmen for 2025 – notably 20 from Michigan and 11 from Florida. The recruiting class is defense-heavy (19 defenders vs. 14 offensive players). On offense, the incoming class includes six offensive linemen, four running backs, two quarterbacks and two three-star wide receivers (Jami Williams and Calondrey Hardy).
Overall roster notes: – Total Players: ~100 (estimate). – Recruiting Class 2025: 33 new players (20 MI, 11 FL). – Position Breakdown (newbies): 19 on defense, 6 OL, 4 RB, 2 QB, 2 WR. – Returning Experience: Many seniors and juniors who started in 2024 champion team. – Transfers In/Out: Some roster turnover (e.g. QB Trinidad Chambliss and RB Kannon Katzer entered the transfer portal after 2024).
Key Returning Players
Ferris State’s lineup is led by talented returners. From the 2024 roster (as listed by FloFootball), notable returning players include WR Jeremiah Lee (Jr in 2024), DB Gyasi Mattison (Jr), RB Zamir Knighten (Jr), QB Carson Gulker (Jr, injured part of 2024), and DL Trinidad Chambliss (Jr, though he later transferred). Many of these players were key contributors to the national championship:
- Jeremiah Lee – WR: A junior in 2024 (Senior in 2025), Lee was an all-conference wide receiver and punt returner. He is among the Bulldogs’ top pass-catchers.
- Gyasi Mattison – DB: A junior defensive back in 2024, Mattison is a veteran of the secondary.
- Zamir Knighten – RB: A junior running back returning as a senior, Knighten’s powerful running was a workhorse for the 2024 offense.
- Carson Gulker – QB: Saw starts in 2024 before a late injury, Gulker (Sr) provides depth at quarterback (the 2025 roster still needs to fill the void left by Chambliss).
- Konnor Near – LB: Although he finished his eligibility in 2024, Near was a defensive captain; the 2025 roster will miss his leadership after he signed with Oklahoma (see game recap).
Other returnees include slot receiver Cam Underwood (who had two TDs in the title game[8]), slot back Brady Rose (So in 2024, who scored a passing TD in the championship), and DE Tyrone Fowler (Sr, who forced a key fumble in the final). These veterans bring championship experience to 2025. Fans can expect players like Jeremiah Lee and Gyasi Mattison to be leaders on the field.
Notable Newcomers (2025 Signees)
The 2025 recruiting class adds fresh talent. According to Ferris State’s announcements, the new signees include a mix of local Michigan stars and out-of-state prospects. Notable incoming players (position groups) include:
- Defensive Linemen: 7 new DL signed (e.g. name details on official site).
- Linebackers: 5 new LBs, adding depth to the linebacking corps.
- Defensive Backs: 5 new DBs plus 2 cornerbacks, bolstering the secondary.
- Quarterbacks: 2 new QBs were signed, creating competition behind veterans (names not listed in Torch article).
- Wide Receivers: 2 three-star WRs (Jami Williams, Calondrey Hardy) join to enhance the pass game.
- Running Backs: 4 new RBs bring fresh legs to the backfield.
- Offensive Linemen: 6 OL signees will compete for starting roles.
Overall, the recruits are described as “flexible” athletes who can play multiple positions. The Torch reports that Coach Annese “went after some really athletic guys that can make plays for us” and not just one-position players. Fans should watch for standout freshmen and JUCO transfers who might earn playing time. The official Ferris athletics site will eventually list all 2025 roster players by name (as hinted in the signing day press conference, visit ferrisstatebulldogs.com for full details).
2024 vs 2025 Roster Changes
Comparing the 2024 Ferris State football roster to 2025, there are a few important changes:
- Departures: Star QB Trinidad Chambliss (2024 Junior) entered the transfer portal and committed to Ole Miss. Top RB Kannon Katzer (2024 Sophomore) also moved on (entered transfer portal earlier). Long-time captain and senior LB Konnor Near finished his eligibility after 2024. Several other seniors from 2024 will have graduated.
- Returning Starters: Apart from Chambliss, most starters (WR Lee, DB Mattison, OL veterans, etc.) return. Notably, junior Carson Gulker steps into the QB role after the end of 2024.
- Recruiting Freshmen: The 33 new signees (see bullets above) replenish depth, especially on defense.
This turnover means the 2025 roster retains its championship core while integrating many newcomers. For example, the FloFootball source shows 2024 roster members like Jacarvis Alexandre (Sr DB) and Zak Ahern (So RB) who will be gone or graduated, while younger players like Sam Watts (WR) and Levi Tuinstra (K/P) return. The departure of Chambliss will open a QB battle, and Coach Annese has expressed confidence in returning QBs (Gulker, plus new signees) to lead the offense.
Position Group Breakdown
Quarterbacks: With Chambliss gone, the 2025 quarterback room will be led by returning junior Carson Gulker and a couple of promising freshmen recruits. Gulker threw for over 2,925 yards in 2024, making him the frontrunner. The recruiting class includes 2 QBs (Torch confirms), ensuring competition. Fans should also watch for walk-ons or transfers announced in spring camp.
Running Backs: The backfield features returners like Zamir Knighten (Sr) and Devin Henry (freshman in 2024) alongside four new signees. Knighten’s power running was crucial last year. The new recruits (4 RBs signed) will add speed and depth. Look for juniors like Zak Ahern (Jr) and freshmen like Devin Henry to share carries.
Wide Receivers & Slot Backs: The receiving corps returns key starters (Jeremiah Lee, Cam Underwood, Brady Rose) and adds 2 highly-touted freshmen (Jami Williams, Calondrey Hardy). Lee (Sr) is the leading returning target, while Underwood (Sr) led the team in receiving touchdowns[8]. Slot back Brady Rose (So) provides versatility. Newcomers will compete for snaps, making WR/SB one of the deeper groups.
Offensive Line: The Bulldogs have a veteran line returning, including seniors like Thomas Hubbard and newcomer linemen signed. The 6 new OL recruits will bolster the trenches. Expect a mixture of experience and youth here. (Notable OL names from 2024 roster: Mack Bontekoe, Andrew DeVries, etc. – these are likely to be back).
Defensive Line: With seven defensive linemen recruited, Ferris State’s DL is deep. Seniors like Victor Nelson (Sr, 2024) and Arnold Saidov (Sr) return to anchor the line[16]. Fresh faces from the signing class (7 DL signees) will rotate in and push the veterans.
Linebackers: Ferris signed five linebackers for 2025. Christian Cramer (RFr in 2024) showed promise, and senior Jason Williams (Sr, 2024) is an experienced leader. Expect Cramer, Jerek Fields (RFr), and others to see more snaps, backed by the new recruits.
Defensive Backs: The secondary brings back starters like Jacarvis Alexandre (Sr, 2024) and Justin Payoute (Jr), and adds new talent. The 5 DB signees plus 2 cornerbacks mean stiff competition. Gyasi Mattison (Sr) is a veteran cornerback to watch.
Special Teams: Kicker/Punter Levi Tuinstra (Jr) returns as a reliable specialist. A couple of new specialists or reserves may have joined on signing day.
How to Access the 2025 Roster
Fans looking for the official Ferris State football roster 2025 can check the FerrisStateBulldogs.com athletics website (in the Football > Roster section). The site will list all players by number, position, class, etc., once the spring roster is finalized. In the meantime, local coverage (Ferris Torch, local news, and sports sites) provides previews and lists of projected players. Bookmarking the official team roster page and following the Ferris State Bulldogs social media will ensure access to the latest roster updates. (Ferris State is known to update its site after spring practice and closer to the fall season, so the “2025 Roster” link will appear on the official site.)
Key steps to find the roster online:
- Go to the Ferris State Bulldogs official athletics website (FerrisStateBulldogs.com) and navigate to Sports → Football → Roster.
- Select the “2025-26 Season” roster from the list (should say “2025 Football Roster”).
- Review players’ names, positions, heights, class, and bios.
- For quick access, search “2025 Ferris State Football Roster” on Google – often the official roster page is the top result.
Ferris State’s official roster page (and even Wikipedia) confirm names and classes of players for 2024 and will be updated for 2025. For example, FloFootball’s “Ferris State Football Roster 2024” provides a full list of players (Jacarvis Alexandre, Trinidad Chambliss, etc.). The same site or the official site will eventually list the 2025 roster once finalized Ferris State Football Roster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the key players on Ferris State’s 2025 roster?
A: The Bulldogs return many core players from their 2024 championship squad. Key names include wideout Jeremiah Lee (WR) and cornerback Gyasi Mattison (DB), both seniors with starting experience. Running back Zamir Knighten (Sr) and tight ends who emerge in spring practice will be important. On defense, players like Christian Cramer (LB) and Arnold Saidov (DL) are expected to lead. Plus, the new 2025 recruits (33 signees) include several impact freshmen (e.g. three-star WRs Jami Williams and Calondrey Hardy). All told, returning juniors/seniors and incoming talent make the 2025 roster deep.
Q: How is the 2025 team structured by position?
A: The 2025 roster is fairly balanced. Offensively, look for quarterbacks like Carson Gulker (Sr) to lead, with two new freshmen QBs in the mix. The running backs group blends returners (Knighten, Devin Henry) with four new signees. The receivers include veterans (Lee, Underwood, Rose) and two top freshmen WRs. The offensive line features returning starters plus six new linemen from signing day. Defensively, the Bulldogs emphasize depth: 19 of the 33 signees are defenders, filling out the defensive line, linebackers (5 new LBs) and secondary (7 new DBs). Special teams have a veteran kicker/punter (Levi Tuinstra) and returning specialists.
Q: What changed from the 2024 roster?
A: The most notable 2025 change is at quarterback. 2024’s starting QB Trinidad Chambliss transferred to Ole Miss. Running back Kannon Katzer also left. Many 2024 seniors (like all-American LB Konnor Near) graduated or moved on. However, most offensive and defensive starters are back. The influx of 33 freshmen replenishes depth, and a few transfers (in/out) will tweak the lineup. The core championship players (Lee, Underwood, Knighten, etc.) return, so the roster continuity is strong even as new faces arrive Ferris State Football Roster.
Q: How can fans view the Ferris State 2025 roster?
A: The most reliable source is the official Ferris State Bulldogs athletics website. Once updated, the Football → Roster section will display the complete 2025 roster by player name, number, position, height, class, and hometown. The Ferris State Torch and local media also post roster news and player profiles. For example, the Torch’s signing day article mentions the full class and invites fans to “visit ferriss tatebull dogs” for details. Checking the site or official social accounts around July–August 2025 will yield the finalized list.
Q: What should fans look for in the 2025 lineup?
A: Look for leadership from returning champions – senior starters and standout juniors – and watch how the freshmen contribute. The offensive line and skill positions will indicate how the offense evolves without Chambliss. Defensively, the impact of 7 new DL signees and 5 new DBs will be interesting. Fans should also track spring practice reports for breakout candidates. Remember, the Bulldogs’ coaching staff emphasizes adaptability and team unity, so new roles often emerge in spring.
Conclusion
The Ferris State Football Roster 2025 is shaping up to be a blend of seasoned veterans and exciting new talent. With 33 recruits added and key players returning from a championship-winning team, the Bulldogs are poised to compete at the highest level again. Fans following the Ferris State University football roster will see familiar names like Jeremiah Lee and Gyasi Mattison alongside newcomers ready to earn their roles. As always, the official roster page will provide the definitive player list once it’s updated, so check FerrisStateBulldogs.com and local sports media for the latest More Post.
Whether you’re a lifelong Bulldog fan or new to Ferris State football, understanding the 2025 roster – from top players to depth charts – will enhance your game day experience. Get excited and get involved: share this article with fellow fans and leave a comment predicting breakout stars for the 2025 Bulldogs. Go Bulldogs!