The 2026 South Dakota football schedule features 12 games, including 6 home dates at the DakotaDome in Vermillion, South Dakota, plus 8 Missouri Valley Football Conference matchups. The Coyotes open the season at home against Central Connecticut on Aug 29 and close the regular season on the road at Illinois State on Nov 21. Kickoff times and TV assignments are confirmed closer to each game, and most MVFC games stream on ESPN+.
2026 South Dakota Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | vs Central Connecticut | 1:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Sep 5 | at Northern Colorado | TBA | ESPN+ |
| Sep 12 | vs Eastern Washington | 1:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Sep 19 | at Boise State | 9:00 PM | CBS Sports Network |
| Sep 26 | at Youngstown State (MVFC) | TBA | ESPN+ |
| Oct 3 | vs Indiana State (MVFC) | 2:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Oct 10 | vs Southern Illinois (MVFC) | 1:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Oct 17 | at Murray State (MVFC) | TBA | ESPN+ |
| Oct 24 | vs North Dakota (MVFC) | 1:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Oct 31 | at South Dakota State (MVFC) | TBA | ESPN |
| Nov 14 | vs Northern Iowa (MVFC) | 1:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Nov 21 | at Illinois State (MVFC) | 12:00 PM | ESPN+ |
Times are local and subject to change. Kickoff times and TV assignments fill in closer to each game. MVFC marks Missouri Valley Football Conference games, most of which stream on ESPN+.
More 2026 FCS Resources
- 2026 FCS Football Schedule Hub
- 2026 MVFC Football Schedule and Standings Tracker
- 2026 FCS Playoff Bracket (printable)
2026 South Dakota Football FAQ
How many home games does South Dakota have in 2026?
South Dakota has 6 home games on the 2026 schedule, all played at the DakotaDome in Vermillion, South Dakota.
Who does South Dakota open the 2026 season against?
South Dakota opens the 2026 season at home against Central Connecticut on Aug 29.
What conference is South Dakota in for 2026?
South Dakota plays in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, one of the top leagues in the FCS, with 8 conference games on the 2026 schedule.
Can South Dakota make the 2026 FCS playoffs?
Yes. The Missouri Valley Football Conference champion earns an automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff, and the league regularly places teams in the bracket as at-large selections.
Is there a printable South Dakota schedule?
Yes. A free printable South Dakota schedule PDF is available at the top of this page, with every 2026 opponent, date, and kickoff in one sheet.
