BIG RAPIDS — Ferris State University will host a National Championship Parade and Celebration on Saturday, April 25, in downtown Big Rapids to honor the football program’s 2025 NCAA Division II title. The event is being held in partnership with the City of Big Rapids and the Downtown Business Association.
The Bulldogs finished the 2025 season with a 16-0 record, securing the program’s fourth national title in five years after defeating Harding 42-21 on Dec. 20. The upcoming celebration is sponsored by Explore Big Rapids and the Mecosta County Visitors Bureau, with invitations extended to students, staff, alumni and the general public.
The parade is scheduled to begin at noon. The route starts at the Big Rapids Public Library and travels along Michigan Avenue before ending near City Hall. Procession participants will include members of the national championship team, student-athletes from other Ferris State programs and local fire and police personnel.
A recognition and proclamation ceremony will be held in front of Horizon Bank in downtown Big Rapids near the conclusion of the parade route. The tentative list of speakers for the ceremony includes Ferris State President Bill Pink, Athletic Director Steve Brockelbank and Big Rapids Mayor Fred Guenther.
Following the parade and ceremony, fans will have the opportunity to interact with the national championship team. The university will host a session for fans to get autographs and take photos with the championship trophy.
City officials will block off the downtown area from Maple Street to Pine Street for the duration of the event. Local restaurants and businesses are expected to remain open during the celebration.
The parade serves as a centerpiece for a broader Championship Weekend in Big Rapids. Other scheduled events include the Bulldogs’ national championship ring ceremony and the annual Crimson & Gold Spring game, both of which will take place on Friday, April 24.
Organizations interested in participating in the parade must submit an entry form by Wednesday, April 22. Additional details regarding the ring ceremony and spring game are expected to be released in the coming weeks.