Holland Reporter

The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has released its 2025 preseason football poll, with Ferris State chosen as the favorite to win the conference. The results were determined by a vote among league coaches.

Ferris State received six out of eight first-place votes. Grand Valley State, which is ranked sixth nationally in the Lindy's Sports preseason poll, earned one first-place vote and was picked to finish second in the GLIAC rankings. Last season, Grand Valley State finished with an 11-2 record and reached the second round of the NCAA postseason.

Saginaw Valley State secured one first-place vote and was selected third in the poll. Davenport was ranked fourth with 31 points, while Michigan Tech followed closely in fifth place with 28 points.

Grand Valley State enters this season under head coach Scott Wooster, now in his third year. The team will return 45 letterwinners and add 11 transfers who played significant roles at their previous schools. On defense, senior linebacker Anthony Cardamone returns for his third season as a starter and is considered an All-America candidate. Junior linebacker Jimmy Downs is also expected to contend for postseason honors.

On offense, three starters return on the offensive line, including All-America candidate Brett Weaver. Senior running back Syone Usma-Harper and junior wide receiver Kellen Reed are also back for another season. Special teams will feature returning place kicker Mathew Bacik along with punters Trace Hrgich and Evan Sundermann.

Over the past four years, Grand Valley State has compiled a record of 45-7, made four appearances in the NCAA Division II playoffs, and won two GLIAC titles.

The Lakers are scheduled to open their 2025 season at home against Lincoln (Pa.) on Saturday, August 30 at 1:00 p.m.