The 11 Must-See Games: Decoding The GVSU Football Schedule 2025, Key Rivalries, And Playoff Path
The Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Lakers football program has officially released its full 11-game schedule for the 2025 season, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated campaigns in recent memory. As of December 20, 2025, the schedule is locked in, featuring six crucial home games at Lubbers Stadium and a demanding slate of non-conference and Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) matchups designed to test the Lakers' national championship aspirations. Fans are already circling the dates for the season opener, the massive non-conference showdown, and the annual rivalry clash against Ferris State.
This year’s schedule is particularly unique, featuring a rare "double bye" week early in the season, which could prove advantageous for rest or preparation as the team navigates a challenging slate of opponents. Under Head Coach Scott Wooster, the Lakers are expected to be a perennial contender in NCAA Division II football, making every game a pivotal step toward the ultimate goal of a national playoff berth and a shot at the championship title in McKinney, Texas.
GVSU Football 2025 Schedule: The Complete 11-Game Breakdown
The 2025 GVSU football schedule is an 11-game gauntlet that balances six home contests with five road trips, including one of the most high-profile non-conference matchups in Division II football. The season kicks off with two straight home games at the iconic Lubbers Stadium before the Lakers hit the road for a massive test.
Here is the full 2025 Grand Valley State Football Schedule:
- Saturday, August 30: vs. Lincoln (Pa.) (Home - White Out)
- Saturday, September 6: vs. Black Hills State (Home - 616 Night)
- Saturday, September 13: at Pittsburg State (Away)
- Saturday, September 20: BYE WEEK
- Saturday, September 27: BYE WEEK
- Saturday, October 4: vs. Davenport* (Home - GLIAC Opener)
- Saturday, October 11: at Northern Michigan* (Away)
- Saturday, October 18: vs. Saginaw Valley State* (Home)
- Saturday, October 25: at Ferris State* (Away - Anchor-Bone Classic)
- Saturday, November 1: at Wayne State University* (Away)
- Saturday, November 8: vs. Michigan Tech* (Home)
- Saturday, November 15: vs. Roosevelt* (Home - Senior Day/Regular Season Finale)
*Asterisks denote GLIAC conference games. The first round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs is scheduled for Saturday, November 22, 2025.
The Non-Conference Blockbusters: Setting the Tone
The first three weeks of the 2025 season will be critical in establishing GVSU's national standing. The Lakers' non-conference schedule is far from a warm-up, featuring two unique home matchups and a road trip to a DII giant.
The Home Openers: Lincoln and Black Hills State
The season officially begins on Saturday, August 30, with the annual White Out game against Lincoln (Pa.) University. This will be an important opportunity for the Lakers to showcase their reloaded roster and set a dominant tone for the year.
The following week, on September 6, GVSU hosts Black Hills State for the popular 616 Night, a community-focused event. This game marks the first-ever meeting between the Lakers and the Black Hills State Yellow Jackets, adding an element of unpredictability to the early schedule.
The Showdown at Pittsburg State
Arguably the most significant game outside of the GLIAC schedule is the September 13 road trip to face Pittsburg State in Kansas. This matchup pits two of the most historically successful programs in Division II football against each other in a major early-season test. The game will be a key indicator of GVSU's national championship potential and will carry significant weight in the regional and national rankings for both teams.
The GLIAC Gauntlet: Rivalries and Championship Aspirations
After the demanding non-conference slate and a rare two-week break—the double bye following the Pittsburg State game—the Lakers dive headfirst into the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference schedule on October 4. The GLIAC is consistently one of the toughest conferences in DII, and GVSU's path to a conference title is littered with storied rivals and must-win games.
The Anchor-Bone Classic vs. Ferris State
The most anticipated game of the entire season is the annual clash for the Anchor-Bone Classic Trophy against arch-rival Ferris State. This monumental rivalry game, which often decides the GLIAC title and has massive implications for the NCAA DII Playoffs, is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, in Big Rapids. GVSU was picked to finish second in the GLIAC preseason coaches' poll, directly behind the Bulldogs, which only intensifies the pressure and excitement surrounding this late-October battle.
Key GLIAC Home Games
The Lakers will host four GLIAC opponents at Lubbers Stadium, each game being crucial for maintaining a strong home record and building momentum:
- Davenport (October 4): The GLIAC opener is a vital chance to start conference play with a victory and set a winning precedent.
- Saginaw Valley State (October 18): This is another major rivalry game, often referred to as the Battle of the Valleys. The Cardinals' visit is a highly anticipated home fixture.
- Michigan Tech (November 8): A late-season home game against the Huskies is essential for securing a high seed in the playoffs and maintaining focus before the regular season concludes.
- Roosevelt (November 15): The regular season finale, which also serves as Senior Day, will be an emotional game as the Lakers honor their graduating class. This final home game against the Roosevelt Lakers could be the difference between a high playoff seed and missing out entirely.
Topical Authority and Season Expectations
The 2025 season is more than just a collection of games; it's a statement year for the Lakers. With a reloaded roster and a clear cultural foundation, the team is focused on turning preparation into results.
The Rare Double Bye
The two-week gap between the Pittsburg State game (September 13) and the GLIAC opener against Davenport (October 4) is highly unusual. This "double bye" offers Head Coach Scott Wooster and his staff an invaluable opportunity to rest players, make necessary adjustments after the non-conference slate, and implement specific game plans for the GLIAC schedule, potentially giving GVSU a unique advantage over their conference rivals.
The Path to the NCAA DII Playoffs
As a perennial national contender, GVSU's goal is always to reach the NCAA Division II Football Championship. The Lakers are consistently ranked nationally in the preseason polls, often in the top 10. With six home games and a schedule featuring multiple top-tier DII opponents, the Lakers have ample opportunity to build a resume strong enough for a high playoff seed. The first round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs is scheduled to begin on Saturday, November 22, with the championship game set for December 20.
Every game on the 2025 schedule—from the season opener against Lincoln to the Senior Day finale against Roosevelt—is a critical component of the Lakers' quest for a fifth national title. Fans looking for GVSU football tickets should act fast, as key matchups like the White Out and the games against Saginaw Valley State and Michigan Tech are expected to sell out quickly at Lubbers Stadium.
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