Grand Valley State and Pittsburg State announced today that the two winningest Division II football programs in the country in terms of wins and winning percentage, have inked a one-year extension for week zero in 2028. The Lakers and Gorillas will meet this Saturday (Sept. 13) in Pittsburg, Kansas at Carnie Smith Stadium. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. (ET).
 
The 2028 meeting is a week one matchup that will take place Thursday, August 31 at Lubbers Stadium. The contest will mark the second time that Pittsburg State has traveled to Allendale, Mich. The programs first met in a 2023 NCAA DII playoff contest that GVSU won 24-21.
 
"We are so appreciative of Pittsburg State agreeing to extend the series for a future game in 2028," Grand Valley State Director of Athletics Keri Becker said. "The goal for Grand Valley State football is to play non-conference opponents that compete at the highest level in Division II football and Pittsburg State certainly fits that need. Head coach Scott Wooster and our student-athletes want challenging games that will prepare them for the opportunity to play NCAA postseason games."
 
#3 Grand Valley State (2-0) and #16 Pittsburg State (0-2) will play for a second time all-time and first in regular season action this Saturday. The Lakers are coming off a 48-36 victory over Black Hills State, while the Gorillas dropped a 27-24 decision at #12 Central Oklahoma.
 
"We are excited to have the opportunity to extend the series against a premier program like Grand Valley State with this game three years from now in the 2028 season," Pitt State Vice President of Athletics Jim Johnson said. "All of our future scheduling efforts are designed to help Coach Anthony and our Pitt State student-athletes compete at the highest level and ultimately challenge for NCAA postseason opportunities."

Grand Valley State and Pittsburg State are etched as two of the premier programs in Division II football. The Lakers hold the top winning percentage among schools in the FBS, FCS and Division II ranks (456-153-3 (.748), with four National Championships (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006) and six title game appearances. The Gorillas hold the top mark for Division II football victories with 760, while also winning two National Championships (1991, 2011) and appearing in five title games (1992, 1995, 2004).