Falcon Insider with Derek van der Merwe, September 2026: Marching Into The 2026 Season

9/2/2026

Important news happening in and around Bowling Green Athletics compiled by Vice President for Athletics Strategy and Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe. This Falcons Insider shares upcoming dates to remember and news to be aware of in regards to Bowling Green State University Athletics.

Hockey student-athletes at spring commencement, from left to right: Jaden Grant, Brett Pfoh, Quinn Emerson

Dear Falcon Family,

The 2026-2027 academic year and sport seasons have officially started at your Bowling Green State University. .... and it began with a significant announcement to kick-off the year: For the first time in the history of the Mid-American Conference a university (i.e., your Bowling Green) has swept all the academic achievement categories: the MAC Institutional Academic Achievement Award, the MAC Women's FAR Award, and the MAC Men’s FAR Award. Additionally, the 2025–26 academic year set a new watermark for Falcon Athletics in the classroom. At the conclusion of the year, BGSU student-athletes posted a 3.56 cumulative GPA, setting the record for the highest GPA in school history for the second year in a row. That mark also stood as the best in the Mid-American Conference and the highest cumulative athletics department GPA among all NCAA Division I institutions in Ohio.

This is a tremendous accomplishment for our student-athletes and our entire department. In this new era of college sports, we remain committed to competitive excellence while staying true to our responsibility as an institution of higher learning. The success of our student-athletes in the classroom reflects that commitment and demonstrates that academic achievement and athletic excellence can go hand-in-hand.

These accomplishments are something the entire Falcon Family can celebrate. Our student-athletes represent Bowling Green every day, and their success reflects the support of our coaches, faculty, staff, alumni, community and fans. All our teams will be recognized on the field during Saturday’s game against Tarleton State, and I encourage you to join us in celebrating the most academically accomplished group of student-athletes in Bowling Green history.

Also, this Saturday come to enjoy one of the most exciting aspects of a Bowling Green gameday, the sound and energy of the Falcon Marching Band. With more than 600 members, the Falcon Marching Band is now the largest collegiate marching band in the country—an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects the talent and dedication of our students and their leader, Band Director Jon Waters.

Recently, Mike & Jan Wilcox, who are tremendously generous donors, recognized the band's historic participation and important contribution to our university by providing every member with the exact same backpack provided to our students who compete on the field. This was more than a gift—it was a recognition that the band's energy and performance contribute to the success of our sports teams. The backpacks serve as a symbol of that connection and the important role the band plays as part of our team. On Tuesday, September 1, following band practice, members of the football team surprised the band by handing out the backpacks, a special moment between two groups of students who proudly represent Bowling Green together.

The football team and the Falcon Marching Band aren't the only groups creating excitement as we begin the fall season. Our fall sports are just getting started, and the MAC pirate flag is already flying in Bowling Green this season as our volleyball team opened the 2026 season with a big win Friday night (Aug. 28), defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes in four sets. The win marked the first in program history for the Falcons over Ohio State and is the first power conference win for the program since 2023. On top of that, the Orange and Brown have now won their season opener in four straight seasons, the second-longest streak in program history. The team is ready for what promises to be an exciting fall. Keep an eye on the Falcons, you won't want to miss what comes next.

Off the field this fall, BGSU Athletics is launching a groundbreaking initiative that is aligned with the academic mission of the university: The Athletic Director's Learning Lab. A partnership with the University to support enrollment growth and education around sport industry and coaching opportunities. BGSU Athletic coaches and staff have developed a year-long program that includes two separate learning pathways: Sports & Entertainment Industry Pathway and the Coaching Pathway.

Students who work or support the athletics department and its events as well as student-athletes will be given the opportunity to participate in this program where they are given the experience to learn from industry professionals about the many jobs in the sport and entertainment industries. They are also given practical guidance on what to expect in the industry from those coaches and professionals. Over 400 students from all different degree programs annually work to support the success of BGSU Athletics. This program is an effort to better support the students' experience in their explorations of jobs in the sport and entertainment industry.

I was reminded of the lasting impact a BGSU education can have just last month, I had the unique opportunity to travel to Hollywood, California to join baseball alumnus Orel Hershiser at his Hollywood Walk of Fame star dedication. Orel's career as a professional baseball player, broadcaster, and celebrity has brought so much positive recognition to BGSU. BGSU is honored that he invited us to attend and be recognized for the role it played in his development.

On Thursday September 3rd, I am hosting a State of the Department virtual conversation for members of the Falcon Family. This will be an informal opportunity for me to share updates on the department, discuss the progress we are making, provide some perspective on the changing landscape of college athletics, and talk about where we are headed in the years ahead. I hope you will join me for the conversation and take the opportunity to hear directly from me about the current state and future of Bowling Green Athletics. Please RSVP using this link.

There is so much to celebrate, and with even more ahead, I hope you will join us throughout the year not simply as spectators, but as members of the Falcon Family. Fill our venues, bring your families, wear orange, and show us why you are the best fans in the country!

Ay Ziggy,

Derek van der Merwe
Vice President for Athletics Strategy
Bowling Green State University

What is new at our venues this fall:

Upcoming Date To Remember:

Volleyball Regular Season Home Opener, Best Western Invitational: September 4-5
Football Home Opener: September 5
Falcon Club Fall Sports Luncheon: September 8
Volleyball Hosts Missouri: September 19
Volleyball Alumni Night: September 25
Men's Soccer Alumni Weekend: September 26
Swimming & Diving Alumni Meet: September 26
Homecoming, Football vs. South Florida: September 26
Hockey Hosts Michigan: October 3

BGSU vs Purdue
BGSU Womens Soccer
August 5 2026
Drake Harlett | BGSU Athletics

BGSU Women’s Soccer goal by Lizzie Bultynck in the exhibition against Purdue (Aug. 5), the first Bowling Green score of the 2026-27 athletic season

Falcons Supporting Falcons ??

Congratulations to Orel Hershiser on his Hollywood Star on the Walk of Fame!#AyZiggy pic.twitter.com/gYlUrHyrbd
— BGSU Athletics (@BGSU_Athletics) August 13, 2026

“Bowling Green baseball is alive and well and flourishing.”#AyZiggy pic.twitter.com/wvp13V9E09
— BGSU Baseball (@BGSU_Baseball) August 14, 2026