The 2024 Harding University Bisons football season delivered another dominant campaign in the Great American Conference (GAC), finishing with an impressive 12-2 overall record. Operating under their signature triple-option rushing offense, the Bisons secured a share of the GAC regular-season title and advanced deep into the NCAA Division II national playoffs before falling in the national quarterfinals.
For fans, researchers, and sports historians tracking how the Bisons navigated their 14-game slate, this breakdown covers every regular-season matchup, postseason clash, key storylines, and results from the 2024 schedule.
Complete 2024 Harding University Football Schedule and Results
The Bisons played an 11-game regular-season schedule spanning September through November 2024, followed by a three-game postseason run in the NCAA Division II playoffs. Every game and outcome from the year is detailed below.
Regular Season Matchups
- September 5, 2024: vs. Southern Nazarene University (Home) — W, 59-0
- September 14, 2024: at Oklahoma Baptist University (Away) — W, 59-7
- September 19, 2024: at University of Arkansas at Monticello (Away) — W, 63-3
- September 28, 2024: vs. Henderson State University (Home) — W, 66-0
- October 5, 2024: at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (Away) — W, 57-3
- October 12, 2024: vs. Northwestern Oklahoma State University (Home) — W, 62-0
- October 19, 2024: at Ouachita Baptist University (Away) — L, 13-17
- October 26, 2024: vs. Southern Arkansas University (Home) — W, 49-17
- October 31, 2024: vs. Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Home) — W, 56-14
- November 9, 2024: at East Central University (Away) — W, 34-7
- November 16, 2024: vs. Arkansas Tech University (Home) — W, 57-27
NCAA Division II Postseason Playoff Run
- November 23, 2024: at Pittsburg State University (First Round) — W, 48-3
- November 30, 2024: at Grand Valley State University (Second Round) — W, 44-26
- December 7, 2024: at Ferris State University (Quarterfinals) — L, 7-41
Official stats and historical archives can be reviewed directly on the Harding University Athletics Website.
Key Storylines Defining the 2024 Season
The 2024 campaign featured intense divisional rivalries, national ranking milestones, and the trademark offensive efficiency that has become synonymous with the program.
Defending National Champions Target
Entering the 2024 season carrying the weight and expectations of reigning national champions, Harding spent the majority of the regular season ranked No. 1 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II poll. Opponents treated games against the Bisons as their marquee matchup of the year, yet Harding's defense routinely shut down opposing offenses, recording multiple shutouts early in the year against Southern Nazarene and Henderson State.
The Battle of the Ravine and GAC Race
The lone blemish on Harding's regular-season record occurred on October 19, 2024, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, against arch-rival Ouachita Baptist University. In a tightly contested defensive struggle, the Bisons fell 17-13. That loss prevented an undefeated regular season and resulted in Harding sharing the Great American Conference regular-season title with Ouachita Baptist, as both teams finished conference play at 10-1.
Dominant Ground Attack and Execution
Harding's offensive identity relies almost entirely on a high-powered rushing attack that controls clock possession and overwhelms opposing front sevens. Throughout the 2024 schedule, running backs like Blake Delacruz and quarterback Cole Keylon orchestrated lopsided victories, such as a 66-point explosion against Henderson State and a 63-point performance against Arkansas-Monticello. The triple-option scheme averaged over 40 points per game during the regular season.
Postseason Journey and Playoff Challenges
Earning a high seed in Super Region 4, the Bisons hit the road for the postseason. They dismantled Pittsburg State 48-3 in Kansas during the opening round, followed by a statement 44-26 victory over powerhouse Grand Valley State in Michigan.
The run ended in the national quarterfinals against Ferris State. Ferris State's defense bottled up the Bisons' ground game, handing Harding a 41-7 defeat that closed out a stellar 12-win year. Further details on conference standings are tracked by the Great American Conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Harding University play its home football games?
Harding plays its home games on campus at First Security Stadium in Searcy, Arkansas. The venue regularly draws passionate crowds, with home attendance figures exceeding 5,000 spectators for marquee matchups like Homecoming.
What conference does Harding University compete in?
The Bisons compete in the Great American Conference (GAC) at the NCAA Division II level. The conference features universities across Arkansas and Oklahoma.
How can fans watch or listen to Harding football games?
Home games during the season are typically streamed live on the HU16 television app available on platforms like Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV. Radio broadcasts for all games are carried live on KVHU 95.3 FM, and select postseason games air on ESPN+.
Who was the head coach for Harding during the 2024 season?
Paul Simmons led the Bisons during the 2024 season, continuing his successful tenure overseeing the program's physical, run-heavy tactical philosophy.
