2025 Wartburg bracket previews

We take you team-by-team through the NCAA playoff bracket!
Knights Wartburg Knights
Seed:No. 1, Wartburg bracket
Last Top 25 ranking: No. 5, Week 11 2025
Location: Waverly, Iowa
Enrollment (FT undergrads): 1413
Stadium: Walston-Hoover Stadium (4800)
Playing surface: Turf
Conference: ARC
Head coach: Chris Winter (Wartburg '04)
Career record: 53-7 (.883)
Base offense: Multiple pro
Base defense: 4-3
Record in NCAA playoffs: 21-17 (1982, 1993-94, 1999, 2002-04, 2008, 2010, 2013-14, 2017-19, 2022-24)
NCAA D-III championships: None

D3football.com team page: Schedule and results, more news

Points for Points against
315 100
How they got here: Automatic bid, ARC
You'll know they're playing well if:Defensively, the front four are clogging running lanes and getting quick pressures, allowing the linebackers to play downhill against the run, and the back four to sit on routes and read a QB under duress. Offensively, the run game is consistently moving the ball for moderate gains, opening up play action, and giving the QB time within structure.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:The DL isn't getting pressure with a four man rush, allowing opposing QBs time to find intermediate routes against the zone. The run game and early down passes aren't keeping the offense on schedule, letting opposing defenses key on the pass, leading Wartburg's QB to rush his reads and mechanics.
This season's turning point:Playing with a backup QB and a seven-point second half lead against Coe in Week 4, the defense made its own offense, with a blocked FG and then a Jake Walker sack-fumble recovered in the end zone for a TD on back to back drives. Against Central a few weeks later, the Knights saw a 21-0 halftime lead shrink to 21-13 after a disastrous third quarter, but responded on the first two drives of the fourth quarter with a defensive three-and-out and a nine-play touchdown drive to put the game away for good.
NPI (rank):77.944 (2)
Rushing/passing yards per game:208.2/185.2
Rushing/passing yards allowed: 43.2/225.9
Yards per play/allowed per play:6.1/4.2
Leading passer:Leo Dodd, 157.3 ypg
Leading rusher:Dawson Rud, 69.8 ypg
Leading receiver:Justic Bachman, 46.2 ypg
Leading tackler:Keenan Tyler, 109 (63 solo)
Leader in sacks:Connor McDonald and Jake Walker, 7.0
Leader in interceptions:Sam Roose, 4
How far can they go?Should be good to go through to the quarterfinal, but not sure Wartburg got the Wheaton-Crown winner and not the Whitworth-Chapman winner.
Falcons UW-River Falls Falcons
Seed:No. 2 seed, Wartburg bracket
Last Top 25 ranking: No. 3, Week 11 2025
Location: River Falls, Wisconsin
Enrollment (FT undergrads): 3826
Stadium: Ramer Field (4300)
Playing surface: Turf
Conference: WIAC
Head coach: Matt Walker (DePauw '99)
Career record: 62-80 (.437)
Base offense: Spread
Base defense: 4-2-5
Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-2 (1995-96)
NCAA D-III championships: None

D3football.com team page: Schedule and results, more news

Points for Points against
464 190
How they got here: Automatic bid, WIAC
You'll know they're playing well if: The offense is winning on third down. Due to the high tempo spread offense of UWRF they run into third downs more often than most teams. When they're moving the chains, keeping the opponents defense on the field, while resting their own it's a recipe for success. Defensively, the Falcons thrive on stopping the run. Once they force teams to be one-dimensional the Falcons are able to hone in on their stunt games up front, and mixing coverages behind it.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:They're turning the ball over. UWRF's lone loss this year occurred the only time in which it lost the turnover battle. On the other side of the ball, when opposing offenses are staying ahead of the chains on first down the defense isn't able to dictate the play of the offense. If you see opponent offenses gaining four-plus yards on first down that means they're keeping their playbook wide open.
This season's turning point:The young UWRF defense finding its footing in the middle of the season. Specifically, coming out of the UW-Oshkosh loss, the defense locked down, never allowing more than 21 points since.
NPI (rank):75.042 (6)
Rushing/passing yards per game:227.8/355.5
Rushing/passing yards allowed: 77.8/240.5
Yards per play/allowed per play:6.6/4.9
Leading passer:Kaleb Blaha, 328.1 ypg
Leading rusher:Kaleb Blaha, 87.5 ypg
Leading receiver:Blake Rohrer, 63.1 ypg
Leading tackler:Gage Timm, 77 (47 solo)
Leader in sacks:Gage Timm, 5.0
Leader in interceptions:Taylor Sussner and Andre Hall, 4
How far can they go?This is the time. They should be playing deep into December.
Johnnies St. John's Johnnies
Seed:No. 3, Wartburg bracket
Last Top 25 ranking: No. 7, Week 11 2025
Location: Collegeville, Minnesota
Enrollment (FT undergrads): 1462
Stadium: Clemens Stadium (8500)
Playing surface: Turf
Conference: MIAC
Head coach: Gary Fasching (St. John's)
Career record: 119-21 (.850)
Base offense: Multiple/West Coast
Base defense: 4-2-5
Record in NCAA playoffs: 45-27 (1976-77, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993-94, 1996, 1998-2003, 2005-09, 2014-19, 2021-22, 2024)
NCAA D-III championships: 1976, 2003

D3football.com team page: Schedule and results, more news

Points for Points against
505 88
How they got here: At-large bid (5th of 13)
You'll know they're playing well if:They're converting third downs at a high clip. The Johnnies lead the MIAC with an incredible 60% third down conversion rate. They only converted on 36% in the loss to Bethel. As field position becomes more valuable in the playoffs, converting third downs in order to limit backed-up punts and three-and-outs will allow SJU to flip the field with their special teams and force opponents to put together longer drives against their defense. On defense, it's all about stopping the run. In games where opponents rush for under 100 yards the Johnnies have allowed just six points per game, vs. 19 points per game when opponents rush for over 100 yards.
You'll know they're playing poorly if: They cannot protect QB Trey Feeney. SJU has allowed just five sacks all season. Clean pockets and clear vision of the defense has been the standard for the Johnnies. Getting consistent pressure for 60 minutes on Feeney, who doesn't get out and run much, will be a situation they haven't faced this season and likely results in limited offensive production. On defense, the Johnnies need to create turnovers. When the Johnnies aren't creating turnovers they've allowed their two highest point totals all season (17, 21). Against playoff caliber teams their offense is going to need those extra possessions.
This season's turning point:Settling their quarterback situation earlier and not having a particularly challenging schedule, aside from the Bethel game, in which they were competitive enough that they knew they were on a good track.
NPI (rank): 67.999 (16)
Rushing/passing yards per game:156.7/366.8
Rushing/passing yards allowed: 67.9/135.3
Yards per play/allowed per play:8.3/3.5
Leading passer:Trey Feeney, 269.1 ypg
Leading rusher:Corey Bohmert, 74.4 ypg
Leading receiver:Dylan Wheeler, 93.8 ypg
Leading tackler:Aiden McMahon, 84 (39 solo)
Leader in sacks:Zach Frank, 11.5
Leader in interceptions:Mark Rogalski, 2
How far can they go?Like Bethel, kind of a big unknown. Monmouth presents a bigger challenge in the Johnnies' playoff opener than it did in 2005.
Warhawks UW-Whitewater Warhawks
Seed:No. 4, Wartburg bracket
Last Top 25 ranking: No. 11, Week 11 2025
Location: Whitewater, Wisconsin
Enrollment (FT undergrads): 8295
Stadium: Perkins Stadium (13500)
Playing surface: Turf
Conference: WIAC
Head coach: Jace Rindahl (UW-Whitewater '08)
Career record: 25-8 (.758)
Base offense: Pro style
Base defense: 4-3 Cover 4
Record in NCAA playoffs: 60-13 (1988, 1990, 1997, 2005-11, 2013-16, 2018-19, 2021-23)
NCAA D-III championships: 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014

D3football.com team page: Schedule and results, more news

Points for Points against
325 147
How they got here: At-large bid (7th of 13)
You'll know they're playing well if: The Warhawks are pounding the rock. They have five rushers who average more than 5.0 yards per carry, and starting RB Brian Stanton is averaging north of 7 yards. Whitewater is at its very best when it's able to run at will. On defense, the Warhawks live through this exact ideology in reverse. The Warhawks are undefeated when the defense holds opponents to under 100 yards rushing. UWW likes to utilize the athleticism of its defensive backs and play plenty of man coverage. This allows them to focus on stopping the run game early and often with greater success inside the box.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:The opponent jumps out to an early lead. The UWW offense is not built to play from behind. The offense's success comes from long drives, a grueling run game, and controlling the football. If Whitewater gets down a couple scores early, they'll have to abandon ship on the ball control game, and lean on airing it out which is far from their identity. On defense, if the opponent's skill players are winning one-on-one matchups UWW is in for a long day. This will allow an opposing offense to not have to worry about trying to run against that fierce front seven.
This season's turning point: The Week 7 Friday night game at home vs. then-No. 20 UW-Stout in which it was just a 3-0 halftime lead for UWW. But, in the 2nd half they exploded for 31 points and for the first time all season looked like they reached their potential as a complete team. The defense pitched a shutout, while allowing just 1 net rushing yard, and the UWW offense ran for 268 yards at over 6 yards per carry. The following week UWW beat their rival UWP, a Top 10 team at the time and finished the season winning three of their last four.
NPI (rank):67.738 (18)
Rushing/passing yards per game:209.3/176.3
Rushing/passing yards allowed: 72.6/189.8
Yards per play/allowed per play:5.6/4.3
Leading passer:Justin Klinkner, 168.6 ypg
Leading rusher:Brian Stanton, 66.3 ypg
Leading receiver:Tyler Vasey, 51.3 ypg
Leading tackler:Ethan Gallagher, 90 (37 solo)
Leader in sacks:Noah Moris, 6.0
Leader in interceptions:Deven Magli, 4
How far can they go?Tough draw does not forecast a deep run.
Scots Monmouth Scots
Seed:No. 5 seed, Wartburg bracket
Last Top 25 ranking: No. 21, Week 11 2016
Location: Monmouth, Ill.
Enrollment (FT undergrads): 723
Stadium: April Zorn Memorial Stadium (2600)
Playing surface: Turf
Conference: MWC
Head coach: Chad Braun (Illinois College)
Career record: 85-20 (.810)
Base offense: Spread
Base defense: 4-3
Record in NCAA playoffs: 2-7 (2005, 2008-09, 2011, 2016-17, 2019)
NCAA D-III championships: None

D3football.com team page: Schedule and results, more news

Points for Points against
504 64
How they got here: Automatic bid, MWC
You'll know they're playing well if:The combination of MWC rushing leader Nate Wrublick and quarterback Brayden Deem are running the ball well behind their big, physical offensive line. The linebackers are factors on first down and keep third and long on the table.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:They face a passing attack that can also protect against the pass rush from Anthony Cikauskas, who had 23.5 tackles for loss and six sacks this season. The Midwest Conference had a distinct lack of top passing offenses, and St. John's (or almost any playoff team) will be a bigger challenge through the air. In general, if the Scots can't adjust to the speed of the game being different not just in the playoffs, but than what it is for more than half of the MWC schedule, where starters on good teams might not even play after halftime.
This season's turning point: Taking the learnings from the Week 1 21-7 loss to Wartburg and turning them into winning nine conference games by an average of 55-5.
NPI (rank):67.631 (20)
Rushing/passing yards per game:228.1/220.2
Rushing/passing yards allowed: 69.7/84.0
Yards per play/allowed per play:6.4/2.8
Leading passer:Brayden Deem, 199.5 ypg
Leading rusher:Nate Wrublik, 79.6 ypg
Leading receiver:Chase Newman, 84.5 ypg
Leading tackler:Ethan James, 88 (56 solo)
Leader in sacks:Anthony Cikauskas, 6.0
Leader in interceptions:Damien Brown, 4
How far can they go?A playoff win here might not be out of the question.
Tigers DePauw Tigers
Seed:No. 6 seed, Wartburg bracket
Last Top 25 ranking: No. 15, Week 11 2025
Location: Greencastle, Indiana
Enrollment (FT undergrads): 1789
Stadium: Blackstock Stadium (4000)
Playing surface: Turf
Conference: NCAC
Head coach: Brett Dietz (Hanover '04)
Career record: 50-8 (.862)
Base offense: Spread/multiple
Base defense: 3-4
Record in NCAA playoffs: 2-6 (2009-10, 2021-24)
NCAA D-III championships: None

D3football.com team page: Schedule and results, more news

Points for Points against
415 117
How they got here: At-large (8th of 13)
You'll know they're playing well if:The Ballentine-to-Ballentine connection is present early and often. Because when a pass from sophomore Scott Ballentine finds older brother Robby, one of the nation's most productive receivers, there's no telling what might happen for the Tiger offense. And look for the DePauw defense to resemble a stone wall as soon as the ball is handed off, with senior DL Dominic Seibal leading a unit that held its regular season opponents to an almost-unbelievable 0.5 yards per carry.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:The defense is having trouble containing the pass, giving up short, but consistent gains that turn into extensive drives. That is one of the few areas in which the Tigers have shown weakness on that side of the ball. On offense, the ball won't get to Robby Ballentine enough, limiting the opportunity for explosive plays, especially on passing downs.
This season's turning point: A week after John Carroll erased their late lead in a 31-27 loss at home, DePauw displayed its maturity in a 35-28 win at Denison. Highlighted by a 28-point first half, that victory in Granville kept the Tigers firmly in the hunt for a playoff bid, and built confidence heading into the homestretch of the regular season.
NPI (rank):67.274 (21)
Rushing/passing yards per game:141.3/286.1
Rushing/passing yards allowed: 12.3/237.2
Yards per play/allowed per play:6.4/4.2
Leading passer:Scott Ballentine, 268.4 ypg
Leading rusher:Caden Whitehead, 58.7 ypg
Leading receiver:Robby Ballentine, 117.2 ypg
Leading tackler:Owen Rossell, 54 (26 solo)
Leader in sacks:Dominic Seibal, 9.5
Leader in interceptions:Holt Heldebrand, 3
How far can they go?A second-round win is absolutely possible.
Thunder Wheaton (Ill.) Thunder
Seed:No. 7, Wartburg bracket
Last Top 25 ranking: No. 19, Week 11 2025
Location: Wheaton, Ill.
Enrollment (FT undergrads): 2043
Stadium: McCully FIeld (5000)
Playing surface: Turf
Conference: CCIW
Head coach: Jesse Scott (Wheaton '09)
Career record: 45-10 (.818)
Base offense: Spread/multiple
Base defense: 4-3
Record in NCAA playoffs: 15-12 (1995, 2002-04, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2014-16, 2019, 2021-23)
NCAA D-III championships: None

D3football.com team page: Schedule and results, more news

Points for Points against
458 178
How they got here: At-large bid (11th of 13)
You'll know they're playing well if:The Thunder offense stays on schedule, stays ahead of the sticks, and avoids negative plays, while the defense limits explosive plays. QB Mark Forcucci is completing nearly 70% of his passes and distributing the ball to six different receivers. When the run game is in sync, Forcucci's RPO decisions open up chunk plays downfield. Defensively, with DE Peter Johanik setting the tone up front, the Thunder rank among the national leaders in tackles for loss, and safety Colin Moore currently leads the CCIW in interceptions.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:Forcucci is under heavy pressure and the defense can't control the opponent's ground game. Wheaton has been extremely balanced this season with a true 50/50 run–pass split, but the offense bogs down when the rushing attack stalls and Forcucci doesn't have time to find his big-play receivers. Defensively, giving up chunk yardage on the ground forces the safeties to cheat forward, leaving the secondary vulnerable to explosive passes.
This season's turning point:In Week 8, with Wheaton clinging to a 28–24 lead over WashU in the final minute, linebacker Zeke Harris intercepted a pass in the Thunder red zone to seal the win. That moment vaulted Wheaton's NPI into the top 13 among Pool C candidates and gave the team the confidence needed to close out the season strong and secure a return trip to the NCAA playoffs.
NPI (rank):65.624 (29)
Rushing/passing yards per game:152.3/307.5
Rushing/passing yards allowed: 94.4/193.9
Yards per play/allowed per play:7.3/4.7
Leading passer:Mark Forcucci, 252.7 ypg
Leading rusher:Matt Crider, 65.4 ypg
Leading receiver:Seth Kortenhoeven, 86.3 ypg
Leading tackler:Zeke Harris, 89 (47 solo)
Leader in sacks:Peter Johanik, 9.5
Leader in interceptions:Colin Moore, 6
How far can they go?Wheaton is an interesting case, with losses to the top two teams in the D3football.com Top 25 poll. Mathematically, the Thunder could be the third-best team in Division III. That probably isn't likely, but Wheaton could give Wartburg a game in the second round.
Pirates Whitworth Pirates
Seed:No. 8, Wartburg bracket
Last Top 25 ranking: No. 24, Week 1 2025
Location: Spokane, Washington
Enrollment (FT undergrads): 1992
Stadium: Pine Bowl (2000)
Playing surface: Turf
Conference: NWC
Head coach: Rod Sandberg (Wheaton '91)
Career record: 92-26 (.779)
Base offense: Pro-set
Base defense: 4-3
Record in NCAA playoffs: 5-7 (2001, 2006, 2015, 2018-19, 2023-24)
NCAA D-III championships: None

D3football.com team page: Schedule and results, more news

Points for Points against
288 182
How they got here: Automatic bid, NWC
You'll know they're playing well if:If they are finding seams for running back Luis Salgado to hit in the ground game and if they are getting their tight ends involved in the passing game. Also, if they are getting consistent pass rush with their front four so they don't have to bring pressure.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:If they are throwing it more 30 times in the game and if they have to blitz to get pressure on the quarterback, which leaves their defensive backs vulnerable with minimal help.
This season's turning point:Back-to-back wins in mid-October on the road vs. Linfield and Lewis & Clark, which gave the team a little extra confidence on the way back from their 1-2 start to the season.
NPI (rank): 64.793 (30)
Rushing/passing yards per game:113.1/243.4
Rushing/passing yards allowed: 110.2/247.7
Yards per play/allowed per play:5.6/5.6
Leading passer:Logan Lacio, 227.9 ypg
Leading rusher:Luis Salgado, 97.2 ypg
Leading receiver:Deacon Dietz, 41.3 ypg
Leading tackler:Drew Corey, 96 (53 solo)
Leader in sacks:Lane Watkins, 6.0
Leader in interceptions:Wyatt Hess, 3
How far can they go?Certainly a threat to advance to the second round, but not a guarantee.
Panthers Chapman Panthers
Seed:No. 9 seed, Wartburg bracket
Last Top 25 ranking: No. 17, Week 3 2021
Location: Orange, Calif.
Enrollment (FT undergrads): 7323
Stadium: Ernie Chapman Stadium (2000)
Playing surface: Turf
Conference: SCIAC
Head coach: Casey Shine
Career record: 8-2 (.800)
Base offense: Spread
Base defense: 3-4
Record in NCAA playoffs: 1-4 (2014, 2017, 2019, 2023)
NCAA D-III championships: None

D3football.com team page: Schedule and results, more news

Points for Points against
294 182
How they got here: Automatic bid, SCIAC
You'll know they're playing well if:Chapman is winning the battle for rushing yards. In two losses, Chapman was outrushed 263-167 and 134-88. In the eight wins since, the Panthers have outrushed every opponent.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:QB Tyler Pacheco is the only one doing any rushing, or having success. The defense struggles on third down. In the two losses and the overtime win against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, opponents converted 40% or better on third down. In the remaining seven games, opponents converted just 23% of third downs.
This season's turning point:The Panthers defense held firm on three plays from their 18-yard line in the second overtime as Claremont-Mudd-Scripps had a shot to tie and perhaps win. The defense forced three incomplete passes and celebrated the 37-31 win.
NPI (rank): 63.165 (41)
Rushing/passing yards per game:200.1/167.2
Rushing/passing yards allowed: 87.3/164.0
Yards per play/allowed per play:5.4/4.4
Leading passer:Tyler Pacheco, 157.3 ypg
Leading rusher:Fischer Huss, 68.6 ypg
Leading receiver:Kade Zimmerman, 72.3 ypg
Leading tackler:Andrew Buck, 65 (34 solo)
Leader in sacks:Tate Zimmerman, 4.0
Leader in interceptions:Jacob Gaudi, 2
How far can they go?There is a chance they get to the longer airplane flight.
Polars Crown Polars
Seed:No. 10 seed, Wartburg bracket
Last Top 25 ranking: Never ranked
Location: St. Bonifacius, Minn.
Enrollment (FT undergrads): 631
Stadium: Old National Bank Stadium (1300)
Playing surface: Turf
Conference: UMAC
Head coach: Anthony Franz (Lindenwood '10)
Career record: 13-36 (.265)
Base offense: RPO
Base defense: 4-3
Record in NCAA playoffs: First trip
NCAA D-III championships: None

D3football.com team page: Schedule and results, more news

Points for Points against
238 189
How they got here: Automatic bid, UMAC
You'll know they're playing well if:The running game is clicking along and more than one ballcarrier is having success, plus the defense is able to force third-and-long and get off the field quickly.
You'll know they're playing poorly if:Jamarrius Courtney needs to throw it more than 15 times. At 161.9 yards per game on the ground that is where the Polars quarterback is most effective.
This season's turning point:Bouncing back from a midseason loss at Northwestern to win their final three games and clinch the conference's automatic bid.
NPI (rank):54.709 (87)
Rushing/passing yards per game:230.3/83.5
Rushing/passing yards allowed: 81.9/187.5
Yards per play/allowed per play:5.4/4.4
Leading passer:Jamarrius Courtney, 79.8 ypg
Leading rusher:Jamarrius Courtney, 161.9 ypg
Leading receiver:Christian Robinson, 35.3 ypg
Leading tackler:Jakalyn Roy, 65 (35 solo)
Leader in sacks:Jakalyn Roy, 7.5
Leader in interceptions:Eddie Hallowanger, 4
How far can they go?Into the offseason in time for Thanksgiving, riding a high this program never seemed likely to be able to achieve.