
Emerging Coaches Poised to Lead Powerhouse Programs in 2026
From Texas to Florida, a new generation of coaches with proven track records is drawing attention from elite programs seeking transformative leadership.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Tony Annese across Football, Hockey.

From Texas to Florida, a new generation of coaches with proven track records is drawing attention from elite programs seeking transformative leadership.

Ferris State University’s football program is poised to capture its fifth national championship in just six seasons, fueled by a dominant fall training camp and the seasoned guidance of Coach Tony Annese, recently inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.

Ferris State was selected as the GLIAC preseason champion while Grand Valley State secured second, and new head coaches at Northern Michigan, Saginaw Valley State and Wayne State began their inaugural seasons.

Ferris State’s football program, led by Tony Annese, begins fall camp in Big Rapids, eyeing another championship run.

Paul Woods, whose four‑decade voice defined Detroit hockey broadcasting, will be honored in the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame’s 2026 class, sharing the spotlight with WNBA star Swin Cash, Olympic swimmer Peter Vanderkaay and NFL running back Mark Ingram II.

The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference will unveil its 2026 preseason coaches' poll on July 24 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, highlighting top‑ranked Ferris State and Grand Valley State and streaming the proceedings live on FloCollege.

Ferris State’s football team enters the 2026 season as the preseason favorite in the GLIAC, riding a 30‑game winning streak and boasting a strong returning core of players and coaches.
Ferris State opens the season ranked No. 1 after four of the last five national titles, while Grand Valley State aims to rebound from a 7‑3 campaign.

Every spring, the manicured fairways of Clear Lake Golf Club transform into a gathering place for former Ferris State football players, a tradition that blends nostalgia with friendly competition. Head coach Tony Annese sees the event as more than a social gathering; he views it as a vital thread that weaves together the program’s past and its future. Alumni such as Kurt Dubowski, Cole Meredith, Brady Sheldon, and Tayo Moss share reflections on the camaraderie and pride that define the weekend. The outing coincides with the Bulldogs' recent national championship success and the retirement of Jason Vander Laan's jersey, underscoring a lasting legacy.

Coach Tony Annese looks ahead to a promising season as Ferris State football gathers for its annual golf outing, highlighting recent triumphs and a strong team culture.

Ferris State University's football program enters the 2026 season as the No. 1 team in NCAA Division II preseason polls, chasing a three‑peat championship.

John Sonntag, whose 1974 tackle record still defines Ferris State football, has been named grand marshal for the university's fall homecoming parade, reflecting a career that spans sport, service and scholarship.

Ferris State University head coach Tony Annese has been put forward for induction into the 2026 Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, honoring his championship legacy and contributions to the sport.