WACO, Texas — The Harding Bisons maintained their position as one of the nation's premier programs, holding the No. 2 ranking in the final regular-season American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Coaches Poll, the organization announced Monday.

The ranking marks the Bisons' 89th consecutive appearance in the AFCA poll (honoring former Bison No. 89 Ben Trotter), extending a historic streak that underscores the program's consistent success. The undefeated Bisons (11-0) received one first-place vote and finished the regular season with a dominant 47-13 victory over Arkansas Tech.

As the No. 1 seed in Super Region 4, Harding will kick off its NCAA Division II playoff campaign at home against No. 14 Northwest Missouri State (9-2). The first-round matchup is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. at First Security Stadium in Searcy.

The winner will advance to the second round of the 32-team tournament.