15 Oct 2025 Harding players earn awards, team plays at Henderson on Saturday

SEARCY — The No. 2 Harding Bisons had two players honored as Great American Conference Football Players of the Week following their 35-7 road win against Southeastern Oklahoma State.

Senior running back Braden Jay was named Offensive Player of the Week, and senior linebacker Clark Griffin earned Defensive Player of the Week.

Harding is 6-0 this season and is in first place in the GAC standings. The Bisons are ranked No. 2 nationally in both the American Football Coaches Association and D2Football.com polls.

Jay Surpasses Milestone

Jay, a senior from Cabot, Arkansas, scored multiple touchdowns for the fourth straight game. He ran for 180 yards on just eight carries against the Savage Storm. In the victory, Jay surpassed the 3,000-yard rushing total for his career. He ranks 11th in NCAA Division II in rushing yards (669) and sixth in the nation with 10 touchdowns.

Griffin Sets Tackles Record

Griffin, a senior from Mountain Brook, Alabama, set a career high with 15 tackles against Southeastern Oklahoma State. He recorded 2.5 of the team’s 10 tackles for loss and forced his first fumble of the season in the third quarter. Griffin also became Harding’s NCAA-era leader in tackles with 338.

Up Next

The Bisons play Saturday at Henderson State in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Carpenter-Haygood Stadium.