Grand Valley State and West Texas A&M, two of the premiere Division II athletic programs in the nation, have agreed to open the 2026 and 2027 football seasons against one another in a home/home football series announced by both institutions.
 
"West Texas A & M and Grand Valley State have a great history of games against each other," said GVSU Deputy Director of Athletics Doug Lipinski. "We are excited to bring two storied NCAA Division II football programs back together to meet on the gridiron once again. We always look to build our schedule with nationally relevant programs and the Buffaloes are that perennial top 25 team."
 
Grand Valley State will host West Texas A&M on September 3, 2026 at Lubbers Stadium, before making their way to Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium for the return trip on September 2, 2027. In addition to being football programs that play on a national stage, the Lakers and Buffaloes play in two of the premier Division II football venues in the country. GVSU has led the nation in attendance for 10 consecutive years, while WTAM ranks among the national leaders yearly. 
 
GVSU holds a 3-0 lead in the all-time series with the most recent meeting coming on December 7, 2013 in the NCAA DII Quarterfinals at Lubbers Stadium. The Lakers claimed a 35-28 victory en route to a semifinal appearance.
 
"We are excited to renew our football rivalry with Grand Valley State, the Lakers are a historic program with consistent success under Coach Mitchell" said WT Director of Athletics Michael McBroom "The home and home agreement allows fans of both teams the unique opportunity to visit two of the top Division II facilities in the nation."
 
All-Time Series History
August 29, 2009  - Kimbrough Memorial Stadium  -  GVSU, 37-23
September 2, 2010  - Lubbers Stadium  -  GVSU, 34-31
December 7, 2013  -  Lubbers Stadium  -  GVSU, 35-28