The Harding football schedule 2024 season delivered another dominant showcase for the Bisons, featuring a 12-2 overall record and a deep run into the NCAA Division II playoffs. Playing as a member of the Great American Conference (GAC), Harding combined a historic triple-option rushing attack with suffocating defense to capture a share of the conference title before falling in the national quarterfinals.
If you're looking back at how the Bisons navigated their 14-game slate, every matchup, venue, and final score tells the story of a powerhouse program. Let's break down the full 2024 results, key conference battles, and playoff performances.
Full 2024 Harding Bisons Football Schedule and Results
Harding opened their campaign on September 5, 2024, and played deep into December. The regular season featured 11 conference games within the GAC, followed by three postseason matchups.
Regular Season Games
- September 5: vs. Southern Nazarene — Won, 59-0 (Searcy, AR)
- September 14: at Oklahoma Baptist — Won, 59-7 (Shawnee, OK)
- September 19: at Arkansas-Monticello — Won, 63-3 (Monticello, AR)
- September 28: vs. Henderson State — Won, 66-0 (Searcy, AR)
- October 5: at Southwestern Oklahoma State — Won, 57-3 (Weatherford, OK)
- October 12: vs. Northwestern Oklahoma State — Won, 62-0 (Searcy, AR)
- October 19: at Ouachita Baptist — Lost, 13-17 (Arkadelphia, AR)
- October 26: vs. Southern Arkansas — Won, 49-17 (Searcy, AR)
- October 31: vs. Southeastern Oklahoma State — Won, 56-14 (Searcy, AR)
- November 9: at East Central — Won, 34-7 (Ada, OK)
- November 16: vs. Arkansas Tech — Won, 57-27 (Searcy, AR)
NCAA Division II Postseason Playoff Games
- November 23: at Pittsburg State — Won, 48-3 (First Round, Pittsburg, KS)
- November 30: at Grand Valley State — Won, 44-26 (Second Round, Allendale, MI)
- December 7: at Ferris State — Lost, 7-41 (Quarterfinal, Big Rapids, MI)
The Turning Point: The Battle of the Ravine Rivalry
The lone blemish on Harding's regular season came on October 19 during a hostile road trip to Arkadelphia. Facing arch-rival Ouachita Baptist, the Bisons stumbled in a low-scoring defensive struggle, falling 17-13.
That loss snapped an incredible offensive rhythm and temporarily derailed their push for an outright GAC title. However, the setback served as a catalyst. Harding regrouped to win their remaining regular-season games convincingly, securing a share of the conference championship alongside Ouachita Baptist and earning a vital postseason bid.
Dominant Postseason Run
Entering the national playoffs as the fourth-ranked team, Harding faced a brutal road gauntlet against traditional Division II heavyweights.
In the opening round, the Bisons traveled to Kansas and dismantled Pittsburg State 48-3. They followed that up with an impressive 44-26 statement win on the road against Grand Valley State, utilizing their relentless ground game to control the clock and wear down the Lakers' defense.
The magical run finally ended in the national quarterfinals on December 7, when Harding ran into a buzzsaw against Ferris State, dropping a 41-7 decision to finish a stellar 12-2 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Harding's final record in 2024?
The Bisons finished the 2024 season with a 12-2 overall record, going 10-1 in Great American Conference play to share the league title.
Who handed Harding their regular-season loss?
Ouachita Baptist defeated Harding 17-13 on October 19, 2014, handing the Bisons their only loss of the regular season. You can read more about regional college athletics updates on NCAA.
How far did Harding advance in the D2 playoffs?
Harding reached the NCAA Division II national quarterfinals before losing to Ferris State.
Where does Harding play its home games?
The Bisons play their home matchups on campus at First Security Stadium in Searcy, Arkansas. Review official athletic announcements directly through the Great American Conference.
