College of DuPage football made history on Dec. 6 at Bjarne Ullsvik Stadium by winning their fifth consecutive NJCAA Division lll championship at the Red Grange Bowl against North Dakota State College of Science. The Chaparrals (7-2) defeated the Wildcats (11-1) 36-13 and became one of the few select college football teams to win back to back national championships five times.
After not competing since Oct. 25 and playing in freezing weather, the Chaparrals had a competitive matchup with the Wildcats. In the first quarter, the Chaparrals trailed 0-7 after North Dakota’s Tellise Clark Jr. caught an eight yard pass from Jacob Mattick.
Despite a strong start for North Dakota State College of Science, head coach Matthew Rahn had confidence they will make adjustments.
“Football is a long game so just because they have momentum at one point doesn’t mean we can’t flip the script,” Rahn said. “That’s the thing we tried to do. When the other team starts getting the upper hand, we try to work it back in our favor. Take them and push them back.”
The momentum would shift in COD’s favor after Cole Hamilton tackled Mattick leading to an injury that would force Mattick out of the game.
The Chaps would find their rhythm in the second quarter where Justin Bland connected with wide receiver Ty Carlson for a 10-yard touchdown pass. They took the lead when tight end Luke Bonnema ran around the North Dakota defense for the two point conversion leading 8-7 with 13:21 left in the quarter.
Askia Bullie scored a touchdown in the second quarter with a six yard run. Bullie also threw a five yard pass to Bland to take a commanding 22-7 lead at the first half.
The Wildcats tried to close the lead in the third quarter when Kenyon Slaughter-Keen scored with a five yard run. The Chaparrals stopped their momentum in the fourth quarter. COD marched downfield and AJ Moore would score a touchdown with a one yard run.
A final 25 yard touchdown pass from Bullie to Dontay Fort would finish the job and defeat the Wildcats in a 36-13 victory.
At the end of the game Hamilton received the NJCAA Most Valuable Player Award, where he recorded 12 tackles, one sack and two tackles for a loss. Throughout the season he’s recorded 33 solo tackles, 23 assisted tackles, two sacks and had one interception during the 2025 season.
Rahn also received the Coach of the Year Award for the fourth time in five years. He’s happy for the coaches and athletes that put in the effort this season.
“[The win] feels good, but again I’m more proud for my staff and these kids,” Rahn said. “They earned it. They worked their butts off. I couldn’t be more proud of all of them.”
Next season the College of DuPage football looks to claim their sixth football championship as they will host the Red Grange Bowl at Bjarne Ullsvik Stadium on Dec. 5 2026.
