Preseason Buzz
The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference is set to convene its annual Football Media Day on July 24 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the league will unveil its 2026 preseason coaches' poll and give fans a first look at the teams vying for the championship.
Adam Jaksa, the conference’s media relations director, will serve as the event’s host, guiding a day of interviews with players and coaches that will be broadcast live on FloCollege, allowing viewers across the country to tune in.
Among the storylines, two‑time national champion Ferris State enters the season ranked No. 1, while Grand Valley State sits at No. 6, setting the stage for a competitive battle that many expect to shape the conference’s narrative.
The rankings were compiled by a panel of coaches who gathered feedback from 25 Division II programs, providing a snapshot of expectations heading into the August 27 kickoff, when five GLIAC matchups will open the schedule.
Veteran coaches such as Sparky McEwen of Ferris State and Kris Dunbar of Grand Valley State are expected to weigh in on their teams’ prospects, while emerging talents like Cephus Harris Jr. and Jax Hertel are slated to share their goals for the upcoming campaign.
The media day will also spotlight other programs, including Grand Valley State’s Dan Mettlach, Brandon DeVries, and Pierce Miller, as well as Ferris State’s Matt Janus and Daniel Babcock, each of whom brings a unique perspective to the conversation.
Beyond the rankings, the event underscores the conference’s growing digital presence, as the live stream on FloCollege aims to broaden exposure and engage a younger audience eager for behind‑the‑scenes access.
Fans can look forward to a series of interviews that will delve into everything from recruiting strategies to player development, with voices from across the league, including Armony Baskin, Billy McKeon, and Tony Chahino, adding depth to the coverage.
As the countdown to August 27 continues, the excitement is palpable, and the GLIAC hopes that this media day will not only highlight the competitive balance but also reinforce the conference’s reputation as a powerhouse in Division II football.