Bearcats to meet Harding in return to the playoffs

Northwest Missouri State football makes its return to the postseason for the first time since 2022.

The Bearcats (9-2) were among the eight teams selected for the NCAA Division II playoffs out of Super Region 4. They will face No. 1 seed Harding in Searcy, AR Saturday, November 22 in the opening round.

After a season-opening loss to Minnesota State, Northwest strung together nine straight wins to earn a share of the MIAA title.

Harding has posted 11 or more wins three seasons in a row, including the 2023 campaign that featured a 15-0 mark and the program’s first national championship. Northwest is 4-0 all-time against Harding, including a 28-6 victory on the Bisons home field during the 2021 playoffs.

Super Region 4 1st Round Matchups:
Northwest @ No. 1 Harding
Western Colorado @ No. 2 Central Washington
UT Permian Basin @ No. 3 CSU Pueblo
Chadron State @ No. 4 Pittsburg State