Northern State Wolves Announce 2026 Football Schedule

Aberdeen, S.D. – The Northern State University football team has unveiled its 2026 schedule, featuring a pair of Thursday night home games to kick off the season. The Wolves will start their campaign against Chadron State College on August 27th at 6 p.m. At Dacotah Bank Stadium. Their Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) schedule commences on Thursday, September 3rd, hosting Winona State University at 6 p.m.

Challenging Schedule Ahead

Head Coach Mike Schmidt expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating, “The release of our 2026 schedule marks the start of a new chapter for Northern State football. Opening the season against Chadron State, a team that earned an NCAA playoff berth last year, presents an immediate and formidable test right out of the gate. We embrace this huge challenge as an opportunity to measure our growth and set the tone for a highly competitive season.”

Home Slate and Gypsy Days

Northern State will host six home contests in 2026, including matchups with Chadron State, Winona State, the University of Mary during Gypsy Days, Bemidji State, Augustana and the University of Jamestown. The annual Gypsy Days game is scheduled for September 26th at 2:30 p.m. Against the Marauders.

Pivotal October and November Tests

Coach Schmidt highlighted the importance of October, stating, “October stands as the pivotal month where postseason aspirations will be defined, as we face perennial NSIC powers Bemidji State, Minnesota Duluth, MSU Moorhead, and Augustana in a grueling stretch. This gauntlet of elite opponents will undoubtedly shape our season and reveal our true resilience and potential.” November will see the Wolves facing geographical and NSIC North rivals Minot State and the University of Jamestown to conclude the regular season.

Road Schedule

The Wolves’ road schedule includes contests against South Division opponents Southwest Minnesota State and Minnesota State in weeks two and three, and North Division foes Minnesota Duluth, MSU Moorhead, and Minot State in weeks six, eight, and ten.

2026 Northern State Football Schedule

• August 27 – Chadron State – 6 p.m.
• September 3 – Winona State* – 6 p.m.
• September 12 – @ Southwest Minnesota State* – TBD
• September 19 – @ Minnesota State* – TBD
• September 26 – UMary* [Gypsy Days] – 2:30 p.m.
• October 3 – Bemidji State* – 6 p.m.
• October 10 – @ Minnesota Duluth* – TBD
• October 17 – BYE WEEK
• October 24 – @ MSU Moorhead* – TBD
• October 31 – Augustana* – 6 p.m.
• November 7 – @ Minot State* – TBD
• November 14 – Jamestown* – 2 p.m.

“This schedule is undoubtedly hard every single week,” Schmidt added. “This conference forces every team to play their best every week. Our team will be ready for the challenge ahead.”

Season ticket renewal and new member purchase information will be available on nsuwolves.com this spring.