Rochester, MN -
The Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) Football Playoffs continue on Sunday, with the #1, #2, #3, and #5 seeds still alive and seeking the chance to play in the MCAC/Region 13 Championship Game and possibly qualify for the NJCAA National Championship Game.
This postseason's #5 seed, Central Lakes College, knocked off #4 seed Minnesota North College-Mesabi Range last weekend by a score of 24-19 and advanced to the semifinals to take on host and #1 seed Rochester Community and Technical College. Rochester had a bye last weekend. Central Lakes enters this semifinal matchup with a 3-6 overall record. They are looking to avenge an early-season 20-6 loss to Rochester. Rochester Community & Technical College, the #2 team in the nation, was undefeated through MCAC play (6-0) and has a 7-1 overall record. Coming off a bye last week, Rochester should be focused on advancing to the title game after being upset in the semifinals last season. If the Yellowjackets can secure the win, they will have the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd in the championship game since the game will be hosted at Rochester Regional Stadium this season.
North Dakota State College of Science is the #2 seed in this year's MCAC Football Playoffs and is currently ranked #3 in the nation. The Wildcats handily defeated Minnesota North College-Vermilion last weekend 59-0, and they are currently 8-1 on the season. NDSCS won the MCAC Championship last season, and to have the opportunity to repeat as MCAC postseason champions, they will need to get past the #4 team in the nation and the #3 seed in the playoffs, Minnesota West Community and Technical College. The Bluejays are 5-3 overall and finished the MCAC regular season with a 5-2 record. They advanced to the semifinals by defeating Minnesota State Community and Technical College 63-7 last weekend. Their only losses this season are to the #1, #2, and #3 teams in the nation, so they are going to battle for their chance to win the elusive MCAC Championship title and advance to the NJCAA DIII Football National Championship Game.
The winners of each MCAC semifinal game will advance to the MCAC Championship Game, scheduled for 1:30 PM on November 9 at Rochester Regional Stadium in Rochester, MN.
Schedule of the MCAC Semifinals: Sunday, November 2
#3 Minnesota West Community and Technical College at #2 North Dakota State College of Science 1:30 PM
#4 Central Lakes College at #1 Rochester Community and Technical College 1:30 PM
For MCAC Football team and individual information, check out the following links:
MCAC Statistical Leaders: https://mcacsports.org/sports/fball/2025-26/leaders
MCAC Standings: https://mcacsports.org/sports/fball/2025-26/standings
About the Minnesota College Athletic Conference
The Minnesota College Athletic Conference is the organizational body for NJCAA-affiliated two-year technical and community college athletic programs in the Minnesota State system. The mission of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference is to advance intercollegiate athletics by providing an engaging and supportive environment for success of our student athletes and competition among member institutions. The MCAC is committed to the guiding principles of encouraging the development and success of student athletes, promoting the integrity, honesty and loyalty to member schools as well as upholding the sustainability of conference athletic programs.