Ferris State to Face Grand Valley in Anchor Bone
The two teams meet for the Anchor Bone Classic in Grand Rapids this Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Football
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Ferris State will take on Grand Valley State in the Anchor Bone Classic on October 17, 2026. Kickoff for the high-stakes matchup is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Grand Rapids.
Why it matters
Ferris State enters the game as the two-time defending Division II national champion looking to extend their momentum. The program has secured national titles in four of the last five seasons and seeks to maintain its current winning streak.
Ferris State carries a 36-game winning streak into the contest while working toward the Division II record of 40 wins. Coach Tony Annese holds a 13-5 record in his 18 previous matchups against Grand Valley State.
The players
Tony Annese
Tony Annese is the head coach of the Ferris State football team who has led the program to multiple national championships.
Ferris State
Ferris State is a university based in Big Rapids that competes as a dominant force in Division II college football.
Grand Valley State
Grand Valley State is a collegiate football program that hosts the annual rivalry game against Ferris State.
The details
The Anchor Bone Trophy has remained in Big Rapids for two consecutive years as Ferris State continues to navigate competitive weekly play. The team maintains a focused approach, having already recorded victories over two ranked opponents this season.
Timeline
The Anchor Bone Classic is set for October 17, 2026, with a 3 p.m. kickoff.
Season Trajectory
Ferris State is currently closing in on the Division II winning streak record of 40, putting them on a path to surpass historical benchmarks. The outcome of this classic rivalry game will dictate whether the team stays on pace to challenge this milestone.
Ferris State remains four wins away from the Division II record of 40 total victories. Success in this game is critical for the team to maintain its path toward that historical benchmark.
The takeaway
The team continues to emphasize game-by-game concentration over the pursuit of individual trophies. This disciplined strategy remains the cornerstone of their recent dominance in the Division II landscape.
What happens next
Ferris State is scheduled to play Michigan Tech and Davenport following this weekend's matchup.
Further reading
Follow the latest updates on the season at Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 9 & 10 News.
Live Poll
In rivalry games, do you prioritize winning over the history of the trophy?
