Week 3 of the 2026 football season marks the final full week of nonconference play for GLIAC teams.
The GLIAC is off to a strong start, capturing a total of five wins against preseason conference favorites. Ferris State owns three of the victories -- Pittsburg State (MIAA), Bentley (NE10) and Central Washington (Lone Star) while Grand Valley State (Ashland, G-MAC) and Davenport (UIndy, GLVC) have each recorded one.
No. 1 Ferris State is idle this week, following its 28-14 top-10 road win over Central Washington. The Bulldogs are back on the gridiron next weekend, facing Kentucky Christian on Saturday, Sept. 26 in Big Rapids.
No. 6 Grand Valley State (3-0) brings an undefeated record into its Week 3 under-the-lights matchup with NAIA foe Judson (0-2) in Allendale (7 p.m.).
The Lakers are coming off a big win, downing No. 19 Ashland on the road, 20-10.
Davenport (3-0), ranked for the first time this season this week, at No. 24, meets GLIAC opponent Northern Michigan (0-3) in a nonconference contest. Kick off is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Superior Dome in Marquette. It is the Wildcats' Homecoming game.
Last weekend, the Panthers knocked off GLVC preseason frontrunner UIndy, 19-12, at home. Running back Cephus Harris leads the nation in rushing yards with 591. Defensive back Zack Pappadakis in the reigning GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week.
Northern Michigan fell to Division I St. Thomas, 56-14, last Saturday. Running back Noah Dobert, a second team All-American in 2025, is ranked No. 12 in Division II with 333 rushing yards.
DU and NMU will face off again on Oct. 10 in Caledonia in a game that will count towards both teams' conference records.
No. 25 Michigan Tech (2-1) is home for a pivotal game with Upper Iowa (1-1). Homecoming game time is 2 p.m. at Kearly Stadium in Houghton.
The Huskies suffered a tough road defeat to Emporia State a week ago while the Peacocks dropped a 21-19 decision to Missouri Southern.
Michigan Tech will be looking to avenge 21-14 loss to UIU in 2025.
After three-straight road games, unbeaten Roosevelt (3-0) will finally open its home schedule on Saturday (2 p.m. ET), welcoming UW-Stout (2-0) to Morris Field.
The Lakers' offense has been clicking on all cylinders thus far in 2026, ranking No. 7 in scoring (48.0 ppg) and No. 9 in total offense (506.3 ypg).
The Blue Devils are receiving votes in the Division III coaches poll.
Saginaw Valley State (2-1) heads out on the road, visiting Kentucky State (2-1) for a 2 p.m. game.
Cardinals quarterback Connor Wolf is ranked fifth in the country in passing yards, averaging 328 yards per game. His favorite target, JT Webber, is positioned sixth nationally in receiving yards with 321.
The Thorobreds are ranked No. 2 in the HBCU Division II Coaches Poll.
Wayne State (0-2) hosts UW-La Crosse (0-2) at 1 p.m. at Tom Adams Field in Detroit.
