After a highly-successful, statement-making Week Zero, which featured a total of six wins by GLIAC football teams, the entire conference field will be in action in Week 1.

On Thursday, Wayne State will open the 2026 season and usher in the Terrence Isaac head-coaching era at home when the Warriors meet in-state foe Northwood (0-0) at 6 p.m. at Tom Adams Field in Detroit. 

Seventh-ranked Grand Valley State (1-0) kicks off its 2026 home schedule on Thursday when it hosts West Texas A&M (0-1) in a 7 p.m. game at Lubbers Stadium in Allendale. The Lakers started slow but outscored Charleston 24-0 in the second half to claim a 38-10 road win in their Week Zero matchup. The Buffaloes suffered a 52-21 home loss to No. 11 Western Colorado to open their 2026 season.

No. 1 Ferris State (1-0) takes the field on Friday, welcoming NE10 preseason favorite Bentley (0-0) to Top Taggart Field for a 6 p.m. contest. The Bulldogs are coming off a 42-14 Week Zero road romp over No. 4 Pittsburg State, extending their winning streak to 31 consecutive games.

Five GLIAC teams will be on the gridiron on Saturday, with four playing on their home turf.

Michigan Tech (1-0) and Davenport (1-0) will kick off the day of action with noon home games.

The Huskies will face Lone Star Conference opponent Midwestern State (1-0) in Houghton. MTU won its Week Zero road clash against Bemidji State, 31-29, while the Mustangs downed Missouri Southern, 30-23.

Led by reigning national player of the week, running back Cephus Harris, the Panthers are back in Caledonia, meeting Truman State (0-1). A year ago, DU dropped an overtime heartbreaker to the Bulldogs, 28-27, on the final play of the game. 

Saginaw Valley State (1-0) will aim to start the season with two-straight home wins when it squares off against Texas A&M-Kingsville (0-1) at Wickes Stadium at 7 p.m. The Cardinals doubled up McKendree, 48-24, in Week Zero, aided by 308 yards passing and three touchdowns from quarterback Connor Wolf.

Roosevelt (1-0), fresh off its 44-28 victory over Division I Chicago State, is on the road in Week 1, visiting Quincy (0-1) for a 7:30 p.m. ET matchup. A year ago, the Lakers earned their first nonconference Division II win against the Hawks (23-21) in Chicago. 

Northern Michigan (0-1) opens at the Superior Dome against Tiffin (0-1) of the G-MAC. Kick off is set for 6 p.m.