Ferris State Bulldogs Picked to Finish First in GLIAC Football Preseason Standings

Strategic Insights -

Ferris State University, a consistent powerhouse in NCAA Division II football, has been selected to finish first in the 2024 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) football standings. The Bulldogs received four of a possible eight first-place votes and totaled 46 points, edging out rival Grand Valley State University, which earned three first-place votes and 44 points. Ferris State's head coach, Tony Annese, is confident in his team's abilities, citing the return of experienced players and a strong offseason effort. The Bulldogs are looking to make their 10th consecutive trip to the NCAA Division II Playoffs and have their sights set on another national championship.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ferris State University has been picked to finish first in the 2024 GLIAC football preseason standings, receiving four of eight first-place votes and totaling 46 points.
  • The Bulldogs are the nation's preseason No. 4 team by Lindy's Sports and have a reputation for excellence, having reached the NCAA Division II Playoffs nine consecutive years.
  • Ferris State has made five national semifinal appearances, three trips to the national championship game, and won back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022.
  • The team is led by head coach Tony Annese, a two-time National Coach of the Year, and features returning standouts including senior receiver Tyrese Hunt-Thompson and linebacker Sefa Saipaia.
  • Ferris State has a strong overall record, boasting a 63-6 mark over the last four seasons, including back-to-back NCAA D2 National Championships in 2021 and 2022.
  • The Bulldogs have the GLIAC's best mark and the best overall record of all collegiate programs in Michigan at 123-20 (.860) overall since the arrival of Tony Annese as head coach in 2012.
  • Notable players include Tyrese Hunt-Thompson, a Cassopolis native and senior receiver, and Sefa Saipaia, a Canton, Ohio native and linebacker.
  • Ferris State will open its 115th season of varsity competition on August 31 at Pittsburg State and hosts Lake Erie on September 7 at Top Taggart Field.

Statistics:

  • Ferris State has received four of eight first-place votes in the preseason standings.
  • The Bulldogs have a record 115 seasons of varsity competition.
  • The team has a 63-6 overall record over the last four seasons, including back-to-back NCAA D2 National Championships.
  • Ferris State has reached the NCAA Division II Playoffs nine consecutive years and counting.
  • The Bulldogs have a 123-20 (.860) overall record since the arrival of Tony Annese as head coach in 2012.
  • The team has made five national semifinal appearances and three trips to the national championship game.

Sources:

  • Ferris State University News Release (no date provided)
  • GLIAC Football Media Day Event (no date provided)
  • Lindy's Sports (no date provided)
  • Tony Annese, Ferris State Head Coach (no date provided)