© Adam Vander Kooy/Holland Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Ferris State and Harding are, without question, the pre-eminent Division II college football programs in the country today.
The Bulldogs, who are located in Big Rapids, Michigan, are the reigning national champions and have won three of the last four titles under head coach Tony Annese. Harding, meanwhile, is located in Searcy, Arkansas and won the D2 national title in 2023.
The two programs are set to meet Saturday to determine the 2025 champion, and the two coaches have been nothing but complimentary of one another in the lead-up to the game.
However, that doesn’t mean that there’s not room for a little friendly trolling.
Ferris State Sends Scholarship Offer To Son Of Harding Head Coach
On Friday night, less than 24 hours between the two teams were set to square off, Annese pulled off one of the funniest troll jobs you will ever see.
The Ferris State head coach offered scholarship to 2027 safety/linebacker prospect Tanners Simmons.
Thankful for a phone call from @Coach_Tannese18 and to receive and offer from @FerrisFootball pic.twitter.com/z9mvSooohh
— Tanner Simmons (@TannerSimmons30) December 20, 2025
So, why exactly is that news? Well, because Simmons is the son of Harding head coach Paul Simmons.
“Ferris offering the son of Harding’s coach the night before they face off for the national championship is amazing banter,” one fan said of the move.
“Huge Congrats Tanner! Kid can play! He has more offers coming! The funny thing his dad is Paul Simmons HC of Harding University and they play Farris St in the Natty game today! They beat Harding in the Semis last season! To call and offer Tanner before the Natty is diabolical!” wrote another.
Ultimately, it’s all in good fun. But don’t for one second think that Annnese didn’t know what he was doing with the timing of the scholarship offer.