December 11, 2025
CALDWELL, Idaho - College of Idaho travels east this weekend for its second NAIA Football Championship Series Semifinal appearance in three seasons, facing undefeated Keiser on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 1 p.m. EST (11 a.m. MT) in West Palm Beach, Florida. The matchup features two conference champions with contrasting but equally effective identities. The Yotes enter at 11-1 after winning the Frontier Conference West Division and advancing through the postseason with dominant defensive performances, while Keiser stands at 11-0 behind one of the nation's most explosive and balanced offenses.
The Yotes arrive in Florida riding one of the top defensive units in the NAIA, allowing just 16.17 points per game and only 74.2 rushing yards per contest. College of Idaho has held opponents under 20 points eight times this season and has generated 16 interceptions while surrendering only three lost fumbles. Offensively, the Yotes continue to lean on their deep rushing corps and efficient play-action passing game. College of Idaho averages 408.5 total yards per outing, including 222.3 on the ground, and has produced 49 total touchdowns across 12 games.
Keiser brings a different brand of explosiveness, ranking among the national leaders at 42.0 points per game and nearly 500 yards of offense per contest. The Seahawks average 284.2 passing yards and 214.9 rushing yards per game while converting 52.7 percent of third downs. Their defense has been equally effective, holding opponents to 15.8 points per game and just 21 total touchdowns on the year. While the programs last met in the 2023 NAIA Semifinals, both rosters and systems have evolved significantly since then, setting the stage for a fresh matchup between two of the nation's most consistent teams.
College of Idaho's run to the semifinal has included two strong postseason wins, beginning with a 37-19 victory over Morningside in the second round. The Yotes controlled the ball for more than 34 minutes and rolled up 269 rushing yards, highlighted by a 68-yard touchdown run and 61-yard touchdown reception from Travis Marieiro. Quarterback Caden Young added 180 passing yards, 101 rushing yards, and three total scores, while the defense recorded two sacks, 11 pass breakups, and held the Mustangs to just 85 rushing yards. In last week's quarterfinal win at Montana Tech, the Yotes delivered explosive plays and capitalized on multiple defensive takeaways to avenge their only loss of the season. Rylie Byington earned Offensive Player of the Game honors, with Tanner Steele claiming the defensive award as the Yotes advanced to the national semis for the second time in program history.
This weekend's matchup presents a strength-on-strength showdown between Keiser's high-powered offense and College of Idaho's top-tier defense. The Yotes' ability to control the clock, averaging 34:41 of possession per game, may prove critical against a Seahawk team that thrives on offensive rhythm. Both teams have excelled in the red zone and in turnover margin, adding to the anticipation of a tightly contested national semifinal.
Yote fans making the trip to Florida will have the opportunity to gather and support the team. Tickets for Saturday's semifinal will be available online, but are password protected until Friday morning to ensure family and friends have access before the general West Palm Beach community. For Yote Fans traveling who need to purchase their tickets before Friday, please reach out to sfajer@collegeofidaho.edu for the instructions and password. The College of Idaho Alumni Office will also host a YoteFam Social on Friday evening in West Palm Beach, giving supporters a chance to connect before game day and cheer on the Yotes from across the country. Fans are encouraged to register here.