The two preeminent powers in junior college football are set to face off once again with a trophy on the line.
Defending NJCAA Division I champion Hutchinson (11-0) meets Iowa Western (11-1) on Wednesday in a rematch of last year’s final, which saw the Blue Dragons prevail in a 28-23 thriller. That result and Hutchinson’s narrow 30-27 victory over the Reivers in September suggest another tight game is in the works.
The schools have combined to win four the last five national championships, with Hutchinson taking the crown in the 2020 and 2024 seasons and Iowa Western winning it all in 2022 and 2023.
Who will take home the trophy this year?
Here’s everything you need to know to watch as the junior college national championship is decided.
Where to watch JUCO football championship
The NJCAA championship game between Hutchinson and Iowa Western will air on ESPNU. Fans can also stream the game live via the ESPN app or with Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
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What time is Hutchinson vs. Iowa Western today?
- Date: Wednesday, Dec. 17
- Time: 7 p.m. ET | 6 p.m. CT
The Hutchinson vs. Iowa Western game is set to kick off at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Dec. 17. The game will be played at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium in Canyon, Texas, home of the West Texas A&M football team.
NJCAA football playoffs schedule, scores
Semifinals
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri., Dec. 5 | Iowa Western 41, Tyler 29 | — | — |
| Sat., Dec. 6 | Hutchinson 27, Northwest Mississippi 0 | — | — |
Championship
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed., Dec. 17 | Hutchinson vs. Iowa Western | 7 p.m. | ESPNU, Fubo, ESPN app |
NJCAA football champions
Here are the last 10 NJCAA national champions in football. Winners listed since 2021 are from Division I; prior to that, there was only one division.
| Year | Champion |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Hutchinson |
| 2023 | Iowa Western |
| 2022 | Iowa Western |
| 2021 | New Mexico Military |
| 2020 | Hutchinson |
| 2019 | Mississippi Gulf Coast |
| 2018 | East Mississippi |
| 2017 | East Mississippi |
| 2016 | Garden City |
| 2015 | Northwest Mississippi |
