Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University and the University of West Florida have announced a one-year agreement to play a football game in 2024. The match is scheduled for September 28 at 3:00 p.m. at Lubbers Stadium, marking the first meeting between these two Division II programs.

Deputy Director of Athletics Doug Lipinski expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming game, stating, "It is challenging to find non-conference football games and we are extremely excited that we were able to schedule West Florida for a game in 2024." He added that West Florida has significantly impacted Division II football on a national level.

In the 2023 season, Grand Valley State ended with an 11-2 record, ranking third in the final AFCA Coaches poll. Their season began with a close loss to Colorado Mines and concluded with a defeat against Harding in an NCAA Playoff quarterfinal. Meanwhile, West Florida finished their season with an 8-4 record, placing them 23rd in the same poll. Their campaign ended with a playoff loss to Delta State.

GVSU head coach Scott Wooster highlighted the importance of such matchups, saying, "We are excited to have a matchup with a nationally prominent program like West Florida in a non-conference game." Wooster emphasized that playing out-of-region games helps expand Division II football's presence.

Grand Valley State has previously scheduled non-conference games against top opponents such as Colorado Mines and Delta State. The university boasts four National Championships and ranks second all-time in NCAA DII playoff history for appearances, wins, and winning percentage.

West Florida has participated in five NCAA Division II playoffs since 2016, claiming the National Championship title in 2019 and reaching advanced stages several times thereafter.

The Lakers will kick off their 2024 season at home against Central State on September 5 at Lubbers Stadium. They are set to host six home games during the season.