CHARLESTON —
The Golden Eagles and second year head coach Mike Tesch have not shied away from scheduling tough, out-of-conference opponents. Last season, Charleston finished 8-3 after suffering two, close road losses to CalPA and West Alabama. A three-overtime loss at home to Frostburg State kept Charleston from making their way back for a 3rd consecutive trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs as the Golden Eagles finished with a 7-1 conference record.
This season, Tesch and his Golden Eagles will face three playoff teams from a year ago — CalPA, North Greenville and Frostburg State. Add in national powerhouse Grand Valley State and Charleston has arguably one of the toughest schedules in the nation.
Offensively, the Golden Eagles have to replace some key players at the receivers position but they do return quarterback Matt Frye who led Charleston to victory in all four of his starts last year. Frye completed 41-of-74 passes for 527 yards and 4 touchdowns. This year Frye will look for outside targets in speedster Caleb Barringer (18 receptions, 148 yards) and 6'-4 senior wideout Devin Hobbs (12 receptions, 178 yards, 3 TDs).
Tesch points out that one of the strengths of this year's team is the depth and you can see it in the offensive line. Led by senior Frank Molina and sophomore Jamarious Pegues (2025 All-MEC 1st team), several returners are scattered throughout the 2-deep chart. They'll lead a rushing attack along with returning running backs in Zach Williams and Jaylen Butera.
Defensively, Charleston returns a bevy of veterans led by all-conference tackle Nesta Owens and linebackers Brian Jones (44 tackles)and Demarco Fleming (36 tackles). Bandit Nick Williams (33 tackles) returns to anchor the secondary.
Charleston received votes in the AFCA preseason coaches' poll.
GRAND VALLEY STATE —
Grand Valley State enters the 2026 season ranked No. 8 by D2football.com and No. 9 in the AFCA preseason coaches' poll.
In 2025, the Lakers posted a 7-3 overall record which included a 38-31 loss at eventual 2025 Division II champion, Ferris State.
On offense, 4th year head coach Scott Wooster returns starting QB Andrew Schuster (6-2, 205 So.) who threw for 2,561, 22 TDs and a 64% completion rate. His favorite target is back as well in receiver Kellen Reed (5-10, 175 Sr.). Reed had 36 catches for 612 yards & 8 touchdowns in 2025. Schuster will have plenty of protection up front from a huge offensive line that averages 6-5, 309 lbs. and led by returning All-American candidate Evan Curtiss (6-4, 309, So.) at right tackle.
Defensively, Grand Valley State held their opponents to 320 yards/game of total offense in 2025. Coming into this season, the Lakers are anchored by veteran linebackers in senior Jimmy Downs (57 tackles) and junior Torian Wyatt (46 tackles), plus a strong secondary featuring Quinn Wills and Deonte Pippen.
Grand Valley State University was founded in 1960 and is located in Allendale, Michigan with a student population of more than 22,000. GVSU is a member of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). The Lakers have played in six NCAA Division II national championship games — winning four titles in 2002, 2003, 2005 & 2006.
This is the first meeting between Charleston and Grand Valley State on the gridiron.
Location: UC Stadium at Laidley Field | Charleston, WV
Kickoff: 6:00 EST
Watch: mountaineast.tv
Live Stats: ucgoldeneagles.com
