You might think you know what a "perfect" season looks like in the MIAA, but the Alma College football schedule 2025 just redefined the whole concept. It wasn't just about the wins. Honestly, it was about the way those wins felt—gritty, improbable, and occasionally heart-stopping.
The Scots didn't just sleepwalk through a Division III schedule. They ran into a buzzsaw early, found their soul in the mud of mid-October, and ended up hoisting another trophy. If you weren't following the action at Bahlke Field this year, you missed a masterclass in small-college football culture.
The Brutal Opening Act
September was a rollercoaster. Nobody expected anything less.
The season kicked off on September 6 with a massive target on the Scots' backs. They traveled to face the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. It was a heavyweight bout from the first whistle. UWRF was ranked #19 at the time, but they eventually became the unanimous #1 in the nation. Alma lost that one 33-45, but looking back? That game was the forge. It showed that quarterback Carter St. John and the offense could put up points against literally anyone in the country.
One week later, they were back home in Alma. On September 13, the Scots dismantled Denison University 53-27. It felt like a statement. "We're fine," the scoreboard screamed.
Then came the Hanover game on September 20. A 23-24 loss. It was one of those games where the ball just didn't bounce right. A missed assignment here, a weird penalty there. People started whispering. Was the magic from 2023 and 2024 finally running out?
The Turning Point in Holland
Everything changed on September 27.
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Alma went into Holland, Michigan, to face #15 Hope College. This wasn't just a game; it was a psychological hurdle. The Scots won a 29-26 overtime thriller. That victory didn't just save the season—it ignited a seven-game win streak that didn't stop until the national playoffs.
Dominating the MIAA
Once conference play hit full swing, the Alma College football schedule 2025 became a highlight reel.
Homecoming on October 4 was a bloodbath in the best way possible for the home crowd. They welcomed Calvin University and sent them home with a 55-6 loss. Bahlke Field was electric. You could feel the momentum shifting from "hopeful" to "inevitable."
- October 18: A 48-27 road win at Albion.
- October 25: Another road clinic, beating Olivet 53-21.
- November 1: A tough 42-28 victory at Trine.
By the time November rolled around, the Scots were playing with a level of confidence that felt borderline unfair. They beat Kalamazoo 53-3 on November 8, setting the stage for the regular-season finale that everyone in mid-Michigan was talking about.
The Adrian Thriller
November 15. Senior Day. The Kiltie Marching Band was out in full force.
Alma was facing Adrian College, who was ranked #24 and looking to spoil the party. This game was a certified classic. A back-and-forth struggle that ended in a 35-34 victory for the Scots. That win secured their third outright MIAA championship in four seasons. Think about that for a second. In the landscape of Michigan college sports, that kind of sustained dominance is incredibly rare.
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The Statistical Monsters
You can't talk about the 2025 schedule without talking about Eddie Williams.
The guy was a human cheat code. He broke the school's single-season rushing record with 1,428 yards. He finished with 20 rushing touchdowns. He became the first player in Alma history to pass 3,000 career rushing yards. Honestly, watching him hit a hole in the line was like watching a freight train with better footwork.
And then there’s Carter St. John. He’s now Alma’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and total offense. When you have a duo like that, your "schedule" is basically just a list of people who are about to have a very long Saturday afternoon.
Postseason and the Final Rank
The Scots earned a first-round bye in the NCAA Division III Tournament. That’s a massive respect move from the selection committee.
On November 29, they traveled to UW-Platteville for the second round. The run ended there with a 7-24 loss. It was cold, it was tough, and the Platteville defense was as advertised. But a loss in the Sweet 16 doesn't dim the shine on an 8-3 season.
Alma finished the year ranked #24 in the D3football.com poll and #25 in the AFCA Coaches Poll. They weren't just "good for the MIAA." They were a top-25 program in the entire country.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Alma Football
People see the "D3" label and assume it's just "high school plus."
That’s a mistake. This program is a machine. They ranked 5th nationally in total offense, averaging 531.5 yards per game. That is high-octane football regardless of the division. They also stood 5th in sacks allowed, which tells you everything you need to know about the offensive line—guys like Easton Rich and the rest of the front five were absolute warriors.
The Bahlke Field Experience
If you've never been to a game at Bahlke Field, you're missing out on something special. It’s not just the game. It’s the history. The field is named after William and Mary Bahlke, who gave the land back in 1923. There’s a video scoreboard dedicated to Tom Jakovac, a legendary four-time All-MIAA QB.
There's a specific kind of intimacy to it. You aren't 100 rows up in a sterile bowl. You’re right there. You hear the pads popping. You hear the coaches screaming. It’s football in its purest form.
Moving Into 2026: What’s Next?
The 2025 season is in the books, but the foundation looks solid. While stars like Williams and St. John have left massive shoes to fill, the culture of winning at Alma has become self-sustaining.
If you're planning to follow the team next year, keep an eye on the early non-conference matchups. Those games—like the UWRF opener this year—are what prepare this team for the grind of the MIAA.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the 2026 Roster: Many of the "depth" players from 2025 will be stepping into starting roles. Look for names like Zach Poff to take on even more of the offensive load.
- Season Tickets: Demand for home games at Bahlke Field is at an all-time high after three titles in four years. Check the official Alma Athletics site early in the summer for ticket blocks.
- Support the Kilties: The marching band is a huge part of the atmosphere. If you're attending, get there 30 minutes early to catch the pre-game show.
The 2025 season proved that Alma isn't just a flash in the pan. They are the standard for football in the MIAA right now.