UW-River Falls won its first ever national title on Sunday, January 4 in a 24-14 victory against North Central (Illinois) in the Stagg Bowl. In their first playoff appearance since 1996, the Falcons defeated the defending champions, North Central (Illinois), to clinch the 2025 DIII football championship.

Editor’s note: The above is from the NCAA website, where the championship bracket may be viewed. This article, North Central: The Dynasty You’ve Never Heard Of, from Mikefarrellsports.com, makes clear what a surprise it was for UW-RF to beat North Central in its sixth consecutive Stagg Bowl appearance, having won three of the last five games.