The Harding Bisons enter Saturday’s regular-season finale at First Security Stadium with a chance to break a 63-year deadlock in their rivalry with Arkansas Tech.
Harding University Athletics reported that the all-time series between the Bisons and the Wonder Boys is currently tied at 31-31. A victory on Saturday would give Harding a 32-31 lead over Arkansas Tech for the first time in the program’s history since the rivalry began in 1928.
The matchup serves as a high-stakes conclusion to a dominant season for the No. 2-ranked Bisons. After clinching the 2026 Great American Conference championship last week, Harding moves to 10-0 and looks to secure an 11-0 regular season. This would mark the team’s fourth unblemished regular season, following previous undefeated campaigns in 2016, 2023, and 2025.
Bisons set school records during dominant shutout victory
Harding’s recent performance has been characterized by statistical extremes. In their Week 10 victory over Southern Nazarene, the Bisons recorded a 76-0 shutout, a game that saw the offense rack up 684 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. This performance set new school records for the highest average gain per play at 13.5 yards and the highest average gain per rush at 14.0 yards.
The Bisons currently lead NCAA Division II in several key offensive categories. They hold the top spot in rushing offense with 452.1 yards per game and rank second nationally in scoring offense, averaging 49.9 points per game. Defensively, the team remains a formidable force, ranking fourth in the nation in total defense while allowing just 243.1 yards per game.
The statistical gap between Harding’s efficiency and their opponents is most visible in the red zone. Harding is the only team in Division II to maintain a 100 percent red-zone conversion rate this season, scoring on all 43 trips inside the 20-yard line. They face an Arkansas Tech defense that ranks 145th in Division II in red-zone defense, allowing a .900 conversion rate.
| Harding Statistical Category | National/Conference Rank | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Offense | No. 1 (NCAA D-II) | 452.1 ypg |
| Red-Zone Conversion | No. 1 (NCAA D-II) | 1.000 |
| Scoring Offense | No. 2 (NCAA D-II) | 49.9 ppg |
| Total Defense | No. 4 (NCAA D-II) | 243.1 ypg |
| Passing Efficiency | No. 1 (NCAA D-II) | 230.06 rating |
The legacy of the senior class
Saturday also marks Senior Day at Searcy, where the university will honor an 11-member senior class that has defined a modern era of Bison football. This group has compiled a 48-3 overall record since 2023.
The achievements of these seniors include the 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship, two national runner-up finishes, and four consecutive GAC titles. Seven members of this class have appeared in 44 or more career games, including Andrew Miller, Deion Campbell, Josh Strickland, Jr., Zac O’Day, David Gomez, and Jose Lopez.
Andrew Miller, a fifth-year All-American fullback, has become a central figure in this era. According to Harding University Athletics, Miller holds the distinction of leading all active college football players across all NCAA divisions in career rushing touchdowns with 70. He currently ranks second among all active NCAA players in career rushing yards with 4,730.
Individual standout performances
The Bisons’ success is driven by several key contributors who lead various statistical categories across the country. Malik Young, the fifth-year senior quarterback, leads the GAC in rushing yards per carry at 7.68. Meanwhile, slotback Jeff Regan has emerged as a dual-threat weapon, leading the GAC in all-purpose yardage with 121.70 yards per game.
On the defensive side of the ball, Kaleb Walker has been a consistent presence in the backfield. The third-year defensive end leads the GAC in sacks per game with 1.06. He has accumulated 8.5 total sacks through eight games, placing him third in NCAA Division II for that metric.
The team’s discipline extends to special teams and ball security. Harding is tied for first in Division II for having allowed zero blocked kicks or punts this season. The offense has also been efficient through the air, throwing just one interception in 34 pass attempts.
The game is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14, at 2:00 p.m. at First Security Stadium.
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