Men’s basketball
The Ferris State Men’s Basketball team enters the 2025–26 season with more questions than answers after a turbulent offseason.
The Bulldogs lost three players to the transfer portal. Senior transfer wing Jorden Brooks, junior transfer center Nathan Claerbaut, sophomore transfer guard Dono Thames and freshman transfer guard Jaxson Whitaker have left key spots open on the Ferris State roster, but they’ve reloaded with nine new faces who are expected to fill these roles right away.
With such a large roster shift, chemistry and identity will be a focal point early in the season. Adding to the ambiguity, head coach Bobby Pietrack resigned less than a month before the season opener, and his first season with the Bulldogs, due to a serious personal health issue.
In his place, interim coach Alex Fodness takes the reins. Fodness brings a strong coaching background, serving as the top assistant coach for three seasons at Bemidji State University. However, reshaping an entire team dynamic on such short notice will be a key challenge.
With the returning players and new additions brought to the roster and a fresh, young voice leading the program, the Bulldogs’ season could go in several directions. Still, there’s optimism that this new-look squad will find its identity and grow stronger as the season progresses.
Women’s basketball
The Ferris State Women’s Basketball team enters the 2025-26 season with most of its core players returning.
Many crucial leaders are making their return this year. Senior guard Kadyn Blanchard is making her return after coming off an ACL tear. She is looking to make the most of her last year of college eligibility, prioritizing her health in the offseason.
With Blanchard being deemed out for the rest of the year in early January, senior guard Mia Riley had a breakout season, averaging 14.7 points a game, a major increase from the 2023-24 season, where she averaged 3.5 points a game from the bench.
Riley also poses as a defensive threat for the Bulldogs. She had 95 steals and 132 defensive rebounds recorded last season. With her return, the Bulldogs will likely continue to implement her in their defensive scheme.
Another returning role player is sophomore guard Mara Mitchell. Mitchell showed promise last season, shooting 60% on the court. She is a player to keep an eye on this season, as she continues to develop into the Bulldogs’ game plan.
With a solid mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent, the Bulldogs are ready to take the next step and establish themselves as one of the GLIAC’s top contenders. Their depth, chemistry and defensive identity could set them apart in a highly competitive field this season.