BIG RAPIDS — Ferris State University football players Tim Anderson and Justin Payoute have been named to the 2025 Walter Camp Division II All-America First Team after playing integral roles in their team’s victory during the NCAA Division II National Championship.
The Bulldogs secured the title with a decisive 42-21 victory over Harding on Dec. 20 in McKinney, Texas. This marks their fourth national championship in five years, solidifying their dominance in Division II football. Anderson, a Construction Management major from Rochester, Mich., and Payoute, a Criminal Justice major from Miami Gardens, Fla., previously earned accolades as 2025 First Team All-Americans from the American Football Coaches Association and the Division II Conference Commissioners Association.
Anderson was honored as the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Offensive Lineman of the Year. Additionally, he received the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award, underscoring his recognition as the top lineman in the nation.
Payoute was named the GLIAC Defensive Back of the Year. Both athletes were also selected for the All-GLIAC First Team due to their outstanding performance during the season, which led to their selection as All-Americans.
The Camp Football Foundation, founded in 1967, is credited with selecting the oldest college football All-America teams in the United States. This year marks only the second occasion in which a Division II All-America team has been chosen. Camp is known as the “Father of American Football” and made significant contributions to the game, including developing play from scrimmage.