NCAA D2 Football Bracket

Indianapolis, Ind.----For the sixth time in the last eight years, the Wingate University Bulldogs have earned a spot on the NCAA Division II football play-offs. Wingate is the number four seed in Super Region 2 and will host fifth-seeded Benedict this Saturday, Nov. 22 at Irwin Belk Stadium. The 'Dogs enter postseason play riding a six-game winning streak, going 9-2 overall and 7-2 in SAC play.

Albany State is the number one seed, with West Florida earning the two seed. Newberry is the three seed, followed by Wingate and Benedict. Kentucky State, North Greenville and Valdosta State round out Super Region 2.

This is Wingate's seventh NCAA D2 play-off bid in program history, all coming since 2010. This will be the sixth appearance in the last eight years for the Bulldogs. Wingate's last appearance came in 2024, when the 'Dogs earned the two seed and hosting duties. The Bulldogs advanced to the NCAA National quarterfinals for the first time in program history in the 2022 season. This will be the fifth home play-off game for the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs have now won at least eight games in each of the last nine fall seasons. Wingate is 82-24 over the last nine years, going 56-15 in league play. The 'Dogs lead every team in the SAC in overall wins and conference victories during that time. Wingate is 90-42 at Irwin Belk Stadium since 2001.

The Bulldogs featured one of the nation's most balanced offenses. Wingate ranks second in the SAC in scoring offense and total offense, ranking second in the conference in passing yards per game and fourth in rushing per game. Xavier Pugh has over 1,000 rushing yards and a WU-record 21 touchdowns this year. Jaylen Himes has gone over 1,000 receiving yards, leading the conference in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. It is the first time since 2010 the Bulldogs have had a 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver in the same season.

Elijah Holmes leads the SAC and ranks in the top 10 nationally in passing efficiency and yards per attempt, while ranking second in the league in passing yards per game and touchdowns, throwing for 252 yards per game with 22 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Xavier Jackson has added 578 receiving yards, averaging 20.7 yards per reception.

The Wingate defense leads the SAC in total defense and run defense, ranking third in the league in scoring defense. Ryan Green leads the way with 71 tackles including four tackles for loss, while Jaquan Edwards has added 53 tackles with 10 TFLs. Mandjou Berte has piled up 10.5 tackles for loss with 3.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. Jonathen Cross has added 10 tackles for loss and four sacks, while Elihu Lipscomb has registered nine tackles for loss with a team-high seven sacks. Brandon Perry has piled up 11 pass break-ups and a pair of interceptions; Noah Collins has added five pass break-ups and a pair of picks.

Caleb Bonesteel has made 15 of 21 field goals on the year, which includes seven field goals of at least 40 yards. Rivers Teeter averages 41 yards per punt, with 11 of 29 punts ending inside the 20. Lawson Thorn has seen 47 of his 68 kickoffs go for touchbacks. Jake Snapp has piled up 549 kick return yards and 136 punt return yards.

Wingate and Benedict last met in the 2022 playoffs. The Bulldogs prevailed 23-6 on the road to punch their ticket to the national quarterfinals.

The winner of the Wingate-Benedict contest will face the winner of the Albany State vs. Valdosta State game on Nov. 29. That contest will be hosted by the highest remaining team of the two winners. The national quarterfinals will be Dec. 6, with the semifinals set for Dec. 13. The national title game will be Dec. 20 in McKinney, Texas.

Super Region 2 Opening Round

Saturday, Nov. 22
Benedict at Wingate
Valdosta State at Albany State
North Greenville at West Florida
Kentucky State at Newberry