The 2026 North Dakota Fighting Hawks football schedule is set, and UND opens at home in the Alerus Center as it chases a spot in the deep Missouri Valley race. North Dakota plays out of the MVFC, the toughest league in the FCS, and the 2026 slate features an FBS road trip to Nebraska plus a full eight-game conference schedule. Below is the complete schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the Fighting Hawks season sets up.
- Conference: MVFC (FCS)
- Home stadium: Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND
- Regular season: 12 games (six home games and six on the road)
- Conference games: 8
- Opener: August 27 at home vs Long Island
- Finale: November 21 vs Southern Illinois
- Last updated: July 30, 2026
2026 North Dakota Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27 | vs Long Island | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | vs St. Thomas | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | at Portland State | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | at Nebraska | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | at Indiana State | Away | MVFC |
| Oct 3 | vs Murray State | Home | MVFC |
| Oct 10 | at Northern Iowa | Away | MVFC |
| Oct 17 | vs South Dakota State | Home | MVFC |
| Oct 24 | at South Dakota | Away | MVFC |
| Oct 31 | at Youngstown State | Away | MVFC |
| Nov 7 | vs Illinois State | Home | MVFC |
| Nov 14 | Bye Week | ||
| Nov 21 | vs Southern Illinois | Home | MVFC |
North Dakota’s Thursday, August 27 opener against Long Island gets the Fighting Hawks on the field before almost anyone else in the FCS. The Missouri Valley slate is loaded as always, with October home dates against Murray State and South Dakota State and the finale November 21 against Southern Illinois.
How the 2026 North Dakota Season Sets Up
North Dakota plays a 12-game regular season: four non-conference dates, including a Week 4 trip to FBS Nebraska, around an eight-game Missouri Valley schedule. The Fighting Hawks get six home games in the Alerus Center, with a bye November 14 before the regular-season finale against Southern Illinois.
North Dakota and the FCS Playoffs
The MVFC champion earns an automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff, and North Dakota is usually in the at-large mix as well. You can see the full conference picture on our 2026 MVFC football schedule page and print the postseason field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch North Dakota in 2026
North Dakota games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, along with MVFC conference streaming. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed in the weeks before kickoff, so bookmark this page and check back as the matchups firm up.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does North Dakota open the 2026 season?
North Dakota opens the 2026 season August 27 vs Long Island. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 vs Southern Illinois.
How many games do the Fighting Hawks play in 2026?
North Dakota plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: six home games and six on the road, including 8 MVFC conference games, ahead of the FCS playoffs.
Is there a printable North Dakota schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 North Dakota schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch North Dakota football in 2026?
North Dakota games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, plus the MVFC streaming outlets. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed closer to gameday.
More 2026 FCS Coverage
Explore more: the 2026 MVFC football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
