D2Football.com released the 2026 Elite 100 Watch List and three members of the 2026 Grand Valley State football squad were represented. Senior WR/KR Kellen Reed was a first-team selection, while sophomore QB Andrew Schuster was a second-team honoree. Senior LB Jimmy Downs was a squad honoree. Grand Valley State was ranked #6 in the Lindy's Preseason Top 25. 

Senior WR Kellen Reed is the top returning target for the Lakers, catching 36 passes for 612 yards and eight TDs in 2025. Reed has 60 career receptions for 992 yards and 12 TDs, while also being one of the top return specialists in the country with 45 career kickoff returns for 1,315 yards and four touchdowns. Sophomore QB Andrew Schuster is coming off a solid freshman campaign, completing 182-of-285 pases for 2,561 yards and 22 touchdowns. Senior LB Jimmy Downs tallied a team-best 57 total tackles a year ago, including 7.0 tackles for loss (-20).

Grand Valley State will open the 55th year of Laker football on the road at the University of Charleston on August 27.