GLIAC – The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) announced the results of its 2026 preseason football poll, as voted on by the league's head coaches. Davenport was selected to finish fourth with 31 points.
The Panthers have now been picked fourth in the preseason poll for the second consecutive season and enter the 2026 campaign looking to build on the program's recent success under head coach Sparky McEwen. Davenport has posted 20 victories over the past three seasons and opens its 11th season of competition on Saturday, Aug. 29, hosting Gannon in its home opener.
Defending GLIAC and NCAA Division II national champion Ferris State topped the poll with 49 points and seven first-place votes, while Grand Valley State received the remaining first-place vote to finish second with 43 points. Michigan Tech was selected third with 34 points, just three points ahead of the Panthers.
2026 GLIAC Football Preseason Poll
- Ferris State – 49 (7)
- Grand Valley State – 43 (1)
- Michigan Tech – 34
- Davenport – 31
- Saginaw Valley State – 28
- Northern Michigan – 18
- Roosevelt – 11
- Wayne State – 10
