The GLIAC football boasts some of the most highly anticipated competition in Division II college football, and the wait is finally over. The 2025 season begins for the GLIAC this week on Thursday, Aug. 28, between Bemidji State and Michigan Tech, but will end with two talented squads vying for the conference championship and most likely one of them in the national championship. 

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The 56 national titles speak volumes already, and rivals Ferris State and Grand Valley State have seven combined over the past two decades. However, anything can happen in college football, and it might be time for a new warrior within the GLIAC to stun the Bulldogs and the Lakers. 

The No. 3, 4, and 5 ranked teams in the GLIAC, based on conference preseason polls, have the best shot at taking over: Saginaw Valley State, Davenport, and Michigan Tech.

FloCollege will be the hub of the four biggest games in the GLIAC in Week 0, including Ferris State and Grand Valley State's opening games. 

GLIAC Football Week 0 Matchup Previews, Predictions

Here's what to expect from the first week of matchups within the GLIAC.  

Ferris State vs. Pittsburg State Football

Pittsburg State was the only team to hand Ferris State a loss last season, and it was also their opening game. To say that the Bulldogs will be coming in swinging this time around is an understatement. 

The Gorillas took a 19-3 win and would hold Ferris State to the least amount of points they would score all season. The Bulldogs lost four turnovers, including two interceptions, that ultimately cost them the game, and were held to just 171 total yards of offense. 

However, Pittsburg State equally will not return their former quarterback and has yet to name a starter for the upcoming season, while Ferris State will bring out former backup quarterback Carson Gulker as the new starter following the departure of Trinidad Chambliss, making this year's matchup a fresh slate for both offenses. The Gorillas will also not see the comeback of the team's two defensive standouts, Thomas Cook and Alex Gaskill, who saw significant production against the Bulldogs last year. 

This game will undoubtedly be close and one not to miss during the first week of college football madness as Ferris State claims a No. 1 ranking in the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll and Pittsburg State brings a No. 10 ranking. 

Lincoln vs. Grand Valley State Football

Grand Valley State enters the season hungry to finally be the leader of the conference. Ending out 2024 with an 11-2 record, the first game of 2025 should be an opportunity for the Lakers to show that they return just as confident, especially with a No. 6 ranking in the D2Football.com Top 25 Poll. 

The Lincoln Lions left 2024 with a 2-8 record, unable to surpass 21 points in a game. Starting junior quarterback Isaiah Freeman threw nine interceptions in comparison to eight touchdowns for just under 1,000 yards. The Lions have yet to update their 2025 roster, so it's unclear whether or not Freeman will be at the helm for the team on opening day. 

For Grand Valley State, the Lakers welcome former Cincinnati quarterback and sophomore Brady Drogosh. However, Drogosh will be making the switch to quarterback after spending the past two years with the Bearcats as a linebacker, so this game could definitely be a learning curve for both teams. 

There's not much that can be predicted about this matchup other than that Grand Valley State has the upper hand with a more consistently successful squad than Lincoln.  

Michigan Tech vs. Bemidji State Football

Michigan Tech could prove to be a team to watch for this year despite its middle-ground standing in the GLIAC Preseason Coaches Poll. The Huskies posted a 7-4 overall, 4-3 conference record in 2024 and will introduce new quarterback Alex Bueno, who saw action in seven games last season. 

Although Bueno threw for just 135 yards and two touchdowns, he harbored experience that he was able to show off once again during fall camp. 

But Bemidji State might just be a promising first contest for Michigan Tech to truly see how the Huskies will fare this year. The Beavers come in with a No. 19 ranking in the D2Football.com Top 25 Polls and a 10-4 record from last season, yet will not return senior quarterback Sam McGath, who made the magic happen with 24 passing touchdowns. The Beavers will also lose wide receiver Brice Peters, whom McGath connected with for over 1,000 receiving yards.

It's unclear who will take the reins for Bemidji State, but they will certainly pose a threat to Michigan State in what should be an exciting setup. 

Northern Michigan vs. Minnesota State Moorhead Football

An unfortunate 0-11 finish to the 2024 season for Northern Michigan looks to be turned around this year with the hopeful development of junior starting quarterback Aidan Hoard.

Hoard recorded 629 passing yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions over nine games. Freshman running back Jahi Wood cleared the highest amount of individual offensive yards with 668 rushing yards with one touchdown, and could be the Wildcats' sole line of production coming into this contest.  

Minnesota State Moorhead posted a 6-5 overall record last year and enter as the favorites in this match and could very well make it an easy win with the return of starting senior quarterback Jack Strand. He threw for nearly 3,500 passing yards last season and 32 touchdowns, and now has a prime chance to open up the season with a victory.  

2025 GLIAC Football Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Ferris State
2. Grand Valley State
3. Saginaw Valley State
4. Davenport
5. Michigan Tech
6. Wayne State
7. Roosevelt
8. Northern Michigan

How To Watch D2 Football In 2025

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Game replays, highlights and breaking news will also be available on both platforms.

Archived Footage On FloCollege

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Watch The 2025 College Football Season On FloCollege

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Don't miss the latest college football action by bookmarking the FloCollege schedule page for the latest games. 

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