Dragons return to NCAA postseason as top seed

Tiffin University returns to the NCAA postseason for the first time since 2019.
Tiffin University returns to the NCAA postseason for the first time since 2019.
Posted: Nov 12, 2023

Tiffin University (11-0) will return to the NCAA postseason for the first time since 2019 as the brackets for the 2023 NCAA Football Championships were announced.

Tiffin is the top seed in Super Region 1 and will receive a first-round bye. They will face the winner of Slippery Rock (10-1) and East Stroudsburg (9-2) which will be played on Nov. 18. The Dragons will. host that second round game on Nov. 25. 

The other four teams in Super Region 1 feature 2nd-seeded Charleston (9-1) taking on New Haven (8-2) while 3rd-seed Kutztown (9-2) battles Virginia Union (10-1).

The tournament consists of 28 teams divided into four Super Regions. Seven teams from each of the four Super Regions will be seeded by the NCAA selection committee with each No. 1 seed receiving a first-round bye. The early rounds will be played at various campus sites and the final championship game will be played on Dec. 16 at McKinney ISD Stadium in McKinney, TX.

Here is the schedule of the 2023 NCAA Division II football tournament, including dates and locations:

  • First round: Saturday, Nov. 18, campus sites
  • Second round: Saturday, Nov 25, campus sites
  • Quarterfinals: Saturday, Dec. 2, campus sites
  • Semifinals: Saturday, Dec. 9, campus sites
  • Championship: Saturday, Dec. 16, McKinney, TX.

Tiffin is the G-MAC champion, posting an unbeaten record for the first time in school history. They defeated Findlay 26-7 for the G-MAC Championship and are currently ranked 14th in the nation according to the latest AFCA poll. 

The Dragons also continue to factor high in the national statistical rankings. They rank in the Top 10 in 10 different categories. They are first in the nation in turnover margin and turnovers gained while ranking 3rd in defensive touchdowns and defensive team passing efficiency.  

The team is also 4th in total offense, offensive first downs, and pass yards allowed. They are 5th in rushing offense, 6th in scoring offense, and 9th in scoring defense.   

Individually Ronald Blackman is 7th in the nation in rushing yards per carry, while Tyrese Banks-Dorn is 14th in scoring. Devin Nelson is also 14th in rushing yards per carry. Josh Lewis is 11th in kick returns.