Holland Reporter

Grand Valley State University has been ranked third in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) preseason poll, according to an announcement made on August 18, 2025. This marks the 21st time since 2002 that Grand Valley State has appeared in the top 10 of a national preseason poll. The program has also achieved 18 top five rankings and 14 top three rankings during this period.

The Lakers will be led by head coach Scott Wooster, who is entering his third year at the helm. Under Wooster's leadership, the team has compiled a record of 22 wins and four losses, with two NCAA Division II playoff appearances and a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) title in his first two seasons.

This season, Grand Valley State will have 45 returning letterwinners along with 11 transfers who played significant roles at their previous schools.

On defense, senior linebacker Anthony Cardamone and junior linebacker Jimmy Downs are expected to lead. Cardamone is considered an All-America candidate and returns for his third season as a starter. He is a two-time First-Team All-GLIAC and all-regional honoree, entering his senior year with career totals of 190 tackles, 28 tackles for loss resulting in negative yardage, and 14.5 quarterback sacks. Downs is also being considered for postseason honors after recording 44 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and eight quarterback hurries last season.

Offensively, the Lakers bring back three starters on the offensive line including All-America candidate Brett Weaver. Senior running back Syone Usma-Harper and junior wide receiver Kellen Reed also return to bolster the offense.

Special teams feature place kicker Mathew Bacik along with punters Trace Hrgich and Evan Sundermann, all of whom have demonstrated strong performances.