The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) announced the results of its preseason football poll for 2025 today. The rankings were determined by a vote of the league coaches.

Ferris State was selected to win the 2025 conference crown, receiving six of eight first-place votes. Grand Valley State, preseason ranked sixth nationally by Lindy's Sports, received one first-place vote in the GLIAC poll and was voted to finish second. The Lakers posted an 11-2 overall record a year ago, advancing to the second round of the NCAA postseason.

Saginaw Valley State also garnered one first-place vote and was selected third, while Davenport was chosen fourth with 31 points. Michigan Tech was close behind in fifth place, receiving 28 points. 

Under the direction of third-year head coach Scott Wooster, the Lakers will return 45 letterwinners and 11 transfers that played significant roles at their previous institutions. The Laker defense will be led by a pair of linebackers, senior Anthony Cardamone and junior Jimmy Downs. Cardamone is an All-America candidate and returns for his third season as a starter, while fellow linebacker Jimmy Downs is a postseason honor candidate. Offensively, the Lakers return three starters on the offensive line, including All-America candidate Brett Weaver. Senior running back Syone Usma-Harper and junior wide receiver Kellen Reed also return offensively. Place kicker Mathew Bacik and punters, Trace Hrgich and Evan Sundermann, also return.  

The Lakers are 45-7 the last four years with four NCAA Division II playoff appearances and two GLIAC titles. 

GVSU will open the 2025 season at home on Saturday, August 30 at 1:00 p.m. versus Lincoln (Pa.).