ALLENDALE, Mich. – August 30, 2025 -  Lincoln University (PA) football opened its 2025 campaign on the road Saturday afternoon, falling 45-9 to nationally ranked Grand Valley State at Arend D. Lubbers Stadium.

The Lions struck early in the first quarter when senior running back Rondarius Gregory (Nashville, TN) capped a six-play, 75-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run, showing Lincoln's ability to respond against one of the nation's top programs. Gregory finished with 53 total yards, including three receptions for 34 yards.

Quarterback Hamas Duren (Sicklerville,Nj/Winslow Twp) threw for 180 yards, highlighted by a 44-yard strike to Kyrie Tyson (), who led all receivers with 93 yards on four catches. Kicker Daylen Ortiz (Sum Valley , California/Polytchnic Senior High School) added a 30-yard field goal in the second quarter to round out Lincoln's scoring.

Defensively, the Lions were led by Isaiah Session (Philadelphia, Pa/Monsignor Bonner) with nine tackles and Lester McCoy (South Jersey/Clayton Highschool) with seven, including three tackles for loss and a sack. John Harris added a key interception returned 28 yards to halt a Lakers drive in the third quarter.

Despite the loss, Lincoln showed flashes of playmaking on both sides of the ball while gaining valuable experience against a perennial Division II powerhouse. The Lions return to action next week looking to regroup and build momentum heading into a matchup with Duquesne University on September 6, 2025.