Harding University will face Ferris State on Saturday in one of the most anticipated NCAA Division II football championship games in recent memory. Both teams are undefeated at 15-0, and between them, they’ve claimed four of the last five national titles. Harding won it all in 2023, while Ferris State took home championships in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
For the Bisons, two players with local ties are key contributors. Mountain Home native Brady Barnett, a sophomore wide receiver, has made big plays when targeted and provides crucial blocks on long runs. Cousin Luke Martin, a junior defensive back from Dickinson High School in Texas, has contributed in the secondary and on special teams throughout the season.
KTLO News spoke with Tom Martin, Luke’s father and 7th grade coach for the Mountain Home Bombers, who says it is an honor to get to watch the boys.
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The stakes are high: Ferris State leads the all-time series 2-1 and won the last two meetings, including a decisive 41-7 playoff victory over Harding last December. That loss remains fresh in the Bisons’ minds, adding extra intensity to Saturday’s matchup.
“This is the ultimate heavyweight fight,” Martin said. “Both teams are undefeated, both are loaded with talent, and it’s going to be a tough, physical game. But the Bisons are ready.”
The championship will be played at McKinney ISD Stadium, which seats roughly 12,000, and a packed crowd of Harding supporters is expected. Barnett, who missed part of the previous game due to a concussion, is expected to play. “It might take a herd of elephants to keep him out,” Martin said. “He’s just such a competitor.”
The cousins’ connection goes beyond football. They are close both on and off the field and exemplify the Bisons’ “brotherhood” philosophy.
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Harding’s run to the championship also highlights a growing pipeline of talented athletes from the Mountain Home area.
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Kickoff for the Division II championship is set for Saturday, with Harding and Ferris State vying to cap perfect seasons and claim the national title in what promises to be a classic matchup. The game will be available for streaming at ESPN.com and on ESPN2 with kickoff scheduled for 3 Saturday afternoon.
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