CANYON, Texas – Two of the premiere Division II athletic programs in the nation have agreed to open the 2026 and 2027 football seasons against each other as Grand Valley State and West Texas A&M have signed a contract for a home/home football series announced by both institutions.
 
"We are excited to renew our football rivalry with Grand Valley State, the Lakers are a historic program with consistent success under Coach Mitchell" said WT Director of Athletics Michael McBroom "The home and home agreement allows fans of both teams the unique opportunity to visit two of the top Division II facilities in the nation."
 
The Buffs will make their way to Allendale, Michigan on September 3, 2026 to battle the Lakers at Lubbers Stadium with GVSU making the return trip to Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium on September 2, 2027. The Lakers hold a 3-0 lead in the all-time series with the last meeting coming on December 7, 2013 in the NCAA Division II Quarterfinals at Lubbers Stadium.
 
"West Texas A&M and Grand Valley State have a great history of games against each other. We are excited to bring two storied Division II football programs back together to meet on the gridiron once again" said GVCSU Deputy Director of Athletics Doug Lipinski "We always look to build our schedule with nationally relevant programs and the Buffaloes are a perennial top 25 team."
 
All-Time Series History
August 29, 2009  - Kimbrough Memorial Stadium  -  GVSU, 37-23
September 2, 2010  - Lubbers Stadium  -  GVSU, 34-31
December 7, 2013  -  Lubbers Stadium  -  GVSU, 35-28