Aberdeen, S.D. – The 2026 Northern State University football schedule is set, highlighted by a pair of Thursday night home contests to open the season. The Wolves will host Chadron State on August 27 at 6 p.m. from Dacotah Bank Stadium in a non-conference match-up with the Eagles, while their NSIC slate kicks off on Thursday, September 3 against Winona State University.
 
"The release of our 2026 schedule marks the start of a new chapter for Northern State football," explained Head Coach Mike Schmidt. "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."
 
Northern is slated for six home contests in 2026, hosting the Eagles and Warriors in back-to-back weeks, as well as the University of Mary over Gypsy Days, Bemidji State, Augustana, and the University of Jamestown. The annual Gypsy Days contest is set for September 26 at 2:30 p.m. against the Marauders.
 
Schmidt added, "We're thrilled to celebrate Gypsy Days in September, a cherished tradition for our university, community, and team. 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. Facing geographical and NSIC North rivals Minot State and the University of Jamestown in November are tough tests to end our season.
 
The Wolves road contests include trips to 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.
 
The full 2026 schedule is outlined below. 2026-27 Northern State Wolves Club season ticket renewal and new member purchase information will be shared on nsuwolves.com this spring.
 
"This schedule is undoubtedly difficult 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."
 
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.