DURHAM, N.C. – Second-seeded Grand View (Iowa) captured the 69th Annual NAIA Football National Championship with a dominant 35-7 win over No. 1 Keiser (Fla.), securing their second title, 11 years after their first.
The game started with a promising drive for Grand View, but Keiser's defense forced a fumble inside the red zone. After Keiser failed to capitalize, the Vikings struck first with a 14-yard touchdown from Jackson Waring to Aisea Toki, giving Grand View a 7-0 lead. Keiser responded with a strong run from Andrew Burnette, but the Vikings' defense stopped them on a turnover on downs at the five-yard line.
Waring led a 95-yard drive, connecting with Toki again for a 22-yard touchdown. Keiser struggled offensively, with Grand View forcing a turnover on downs near midfield. Waring then threw a 19-yard touchdown to Triston Williams, extending the lead to 21-0 at halftime.
Keiser adjusted after the break, with Shea Spencer throwing a touchdown to Maurico Porcha to close the gap to 21-7. However, Grand View’s defense continued to shine, forcing Keiser into multiple turnovers on downs and holding them to just one third-down conversion in 13 attempts.
Waring added another touchdown pass to Corey Phillips, and Dalten Van Pelt’s 11-yard touchdown run sealed the victory. Grand View’s defense held Keiser scoreless in the second half, marking their first shutout half since October 2023.
Waring was named Offensive Player of the Game with 203 rushing yards, 132 passing yards, and four touchdowns. Jackson Filer was Defensive Player of the Game, contributing eight tackles and a strong performance in limiting Keiser’s offense.
Grand View's win ends Keiser's 23-game win streak and avenges their 2022 semifinal loss to the Seahawks. The Vikings now hold a 52-3 record since the start of the 2021 season, adding their second Red Banner to the one won in 2013.
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