GLIAC -- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) released the results of the 2026 baseball preseason poll today, Tuesday, Feb. 3.

The poll was decided by a vote of the league coaches.

If the poll is an indication of the nature of the season ahead, then GLIAC baseball fans are in for a wild ride and a tight race in 2026, as just three points separated first from third and four different teams earned first-place votes.

Defending GLIAC regular season and tournament champion Davenport was voted No. 1, receiving three first-place votes and a total of 32 points. The Panthers, who are led by 2025 GLIAC Coach of the Year Kevin Tidey, return three All-GLIAC first-teamers in first baseman Justin Johnson, second baseman Sam Clay and relief pitcher Brandon Skorupski. 

Earning two first-place votes was Grand Valley State. The Lakers, who won 43 games a year ago, including 18 in conference play, received 30 total points to finish second in poll.

Wayne State was positioned third in the poll, just one point behind GVSU (29) while claiming one first-place vote. The Warriors advanced to the GLIAC Tournament championship game last season, falling in extra innings. 

Saginaw Valley State polled fourth, garnering the final first-place vote and 22 total points. The Cardinals will be led by junior outfielder Lucas Mead, who was named a D2 Baseball Second Team All-American.

Parkside was selected to place fifth (16 points). In 2025, the Rangers recorded their first winning season and 30-win season since 2005 (30-19).

Purdue Northwest and Roosevelt tied for sixth place with nine points each, rounding out the preseason poll.