GLIAC -- For the 18th time in the history of the award, Grand Valley State has won the Learfield Directors’ Cup for NCAA Division II.

Over the course of 2025-26, GVSU amassed 1,089.75 total points in 20 total sports, including three of the four sports that must be counted. The Lakers earned national titles in women’s cross country, women's basketball and men’s outdoor track and field. Due to scoring in the max number of 11 additional sports being counted, the following scores were omitted in the final total – women’s soccer, men’s swimming and diving, women’s lacrosse, men’s tennis and women’s outdoor track and field.

Ferris State finished in 39th place with 426 points followed by Northern Michigan (61st, 326.5), Saginaw Valley State (64th, 316.5) and Wayne State (65th, 313.0). 

Davenport (107th, 207), Michigan Tech (161st, 118) and Parkside (163rd, 114.5) rounded out the GLIAC representation in the rankings. 

The Learfield Directors' Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. Points are awarded based on each institution's finish in NCAA Championships.

Overall, 15 sports are counted in the final DII standings, four of which must be women’s volleyball and basketball and men’s basketball and baseball. The next highest (11 max.) sports scored for each institution, regardless of gender, are used in the standings.