FHSU Athletics

WACO, Texas – With the NCAA Division II Football season now in the books, the AFCA released its final Top 25 Poll for 2018 on Monday (Dec. 17). Fort Hays State finished at No. 22 in the poll with its 9-3 overall record, while making a second-straight NCAA Playoff appearance.

Fort Hays State held a Top 25 ranking in nine of the 13 polls released by the AFCA this season. The Tigers ranked as high as No. 5 in the nation, holding that post in the preseason and first regular season release of the poll. The Tigers were in the Top 25 for the first five regular season polls before dropping to the receiving votes for four consecutive weeks. The Tigers jumped back into the Top 25 following the 10th week of play with their win at Northwest Missouri State and remained there for the final regular season release and postseason release.

Fort Hays State fell in the opening round of the NCAA Playoffs to then No. 12 ranked University of Indianapolis by a score of 38-27. Indianapolis moved up to No. 11 in the final release of the poll.

Fort Hays State earned its second-straight MIAA Championship in 2018, going 9-2 in the regular season. The Tigers were a perfect 11-0 in MIAA play in 2017.

Valdosta State (Ga.) finishes the year at No. 1 after entering the playoffs at No. 3 in the nation. The Blazers defeated Ferris State (Mich.) in a thrilling NCAA Championship game by a score of 49-47. Ferris State went into the playoffs ranked No. 2 and remained there in the final poll.

Below is the final AFCA Division II Top 25 Poll for 2018.