Week 0 Honors Recognize Early Standouts
The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference kicked off its 2026 football season by unveiling the first set of weekly awards, highlighting performances from across the league in Week 0 action.
Davenport’s running back Cephus Harris turned heads with a record‑breaking 351‑yard rushing effort on 26 carries in a 32‑20 victory over Gannon, a performance that included three touchdowns and an 84‑yard burst that helped the Panthers build a 27‑7 lead in the third quarter.
Roosevelt’s defender Derek Whaley earned Defensive Player of the Week after forcing two turnovers, a 38‑yard fumble recovery and an interception, both of which swung momentum in the Bulldogs’ season‑opening win over Chicago State.
Special teams shone for Saginaw Valley State, where kicker Teagen Lenderink averaged 64.1 yards per kickoff, pinned five touchbacks and converted six of seven extra‑point attempts, contributing six points in the 48‑24 triumph over McKendree.
The conference also highlighted several other players in honorable‑mention slots, underscoring the depth of talent on display and setting an early benchmark for competition across the league.