The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) announced its Week 1 player of the week honorees, recognizing three athletes from Grand Valley State and Michigan Tech for their exceptional contributions on the opening weekend of the 2026 football season.
Week 1 Honors Spotlight
Grand Valley State quarterback Andrew Schuster earned Offensive Player of the Week after a record‑breaking performance that saw him complete 10 of 15 passes for 283 yards and five touchdowns in a 56‑14 victory over West Texas A&M, delivering a 335.1 pass efficiency rating that ranks second all‑time for a single game.
His 28.3 yards per completion and 18.9 yards per attempt placed him among the top five and eighth in the nation for those metrics, underscoring a dominance that helped the Lakers secure a decisive win.
Michigan Tech linebacker Chase Koch was named Defensive Player of the Week for his pivotal role in a 48‑27 win against Midwestern State, tallying 10 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions, including a 34‑yard return that set up the game’s first touchdown.
Koch’s disruptive play not only halted the Mustangs’ early drives but also swung momentum, illustrating the impact of his defensive leadership.
Special teams standout Avery Kucharski claimed the Special Teams Player of the Week honor after matching a school record with a 51‑yard field goal in the first half and adding a 28‑yard kick later, while also posting a 60.9‑yard average on seven kickoffs and contributing 15 points through three field goals and six extra points.
The trio’s achievements collectively highlight the depth of talent in the GLIAC and set an early tone for a competitive 2026 season, with the conference’s weekly awards drawing attention to standout performances across offense, defense and special teams.