The 2026 G-MAC football season is set to bring another exciting conference race as teams compete for a championship and a spot in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. With returning contenders, new coaches, and plenty of key matchups on the schedule, there will be several storylines to follow throughout the season.
Ashland and Findlay shared the 2025 G-MAC championship after both teams finished 8-1 in conference play. Now, programs across the league will look to challenge the reigning co-champions and make their push toward the top of the standings.
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The upcoming season will also feature new changes across the conference, including Findlay beginning a new era under head coach Tyler Johns. As teams prepare for kickoff, the G-MAC looks ready for another competitive season.
Here are five things to know about G-MAC football heading into the 2026 season.
Findlay’s New Head Coach
Findlay enters the 2026 season with a new head coach after hiring Tyler Johns to replace Kory Allen. A former Findlay player, Johns returns to the program after spending the previous two seasons as Gardner-Webb’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. He also previously led successful offenses at Tiffin, bringing extensive experience to the Oilers’ coaching staff. Johns played under Allen during Allen’s time as an assistant at Findlay, giving him familiarity with the program’s foundation. Now, he will look to build on the identity already established while adding his own vision to the Oilers’ next chapter.
2025 G-MAC Football Award Winners
- Player of the Year: Michael Shimek, Ashland
- Offensive Player of the Year: Ethan Hamby, Northwood
- Defensive Player of the Year: Sam Weihrauch, Findlay
- Defensive Lineman of the Year: Londyn Claxton, Findlay
- Offensive Lineman of the Year: Nico Traczyk, Ashland
- Special Teams Player of the Year: Shea Ruddy, Hillsdale
- Freshman of the Year: Ben Ngishu, Hillsdale
- Coach of the Year: Dustin Beurer, Northwood
- Elite 26 Award Winner: Noah Larrick, Hillsdale
Who Claimed The 2025 G-MAC Football Title?
The 2025 G-MAC football championship was shared by Ashland and Findlay. Both teams finished the regular season 8-1 in conference play to earn a share of the league title.
2025 Football Standings
- Ashland — Overall: 10-2, Conference: 8-1
- Findlay — Overall: 10-2, Conference: 8-1
- Northwood — Overall: 9-3, Conference: 7-2
- Tiffin — Overall: 7-4, Conference: 6-3
- Hillsdale — Overall: 6-6, Conference: 5-4
- Walsh — Overall: 6-5, Conference: 4-5
- Ohio Dominican — Overall: 5-5, Conference: 4-5
- Lake Erie — Overall: 2-9, Conference: 2-7
- Thomas More — Overall: 1-10, Conference: 1-8
- Kentucky Wesleyan — Overall: 0-11, Conference: 0-9
Key Matchups In 2026
- Ashland vs. Findlay – Oct. 10
- Hillsdale vs. Ashland – Nov. 7
- Hillsdale vs. Findlay – Oct. 17
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