The Wisconsin–Whitewater Warhawks won their first Division III championship by defeating the Mount Union Purple Raiders, 31−21.
The Gagliardi Trophy, given to the most outstanding player in Division III football, was awarded to Justin Beaver, running back from Wisconsin–Whitewater.
[2] Twenty-two conferences met the requirements for an automatic ("Pool A") bid to the playoffs.
The NWC was in the second year of the two-year waiting period, while the ACFC, UAA, and UMAC failed to meet the seven-member requirement.
The PAC received a Pool A bid for the first time, having attained seven members and passed through the waiting period.