The 2026 Northern Iowa football schedule features 11 games, including 5 home dates at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa, plus 8 Missouri Valley Football Conference matchups. The Panthers open the season on the road at Eastern Washington on Sep 5 and close the regular season on the road at Murray State on Nov 21. Kickoff times and TV assignments are confirmed closer to each game, and most MVFC matchups stream on ESPN+.
2026 Northern Iowa Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 5 | at Eastern Washington | 6:00 PM | TBA |
| Sep 12 | vs Drake | 1:00 PM | TBA |
| Sep 19 | at Iowa | 3:00 PM | FS1 |
| Sep 26 | vs Illinois State (MVFC) | 4:00 PM | TBA |
| Oct 10 | vs North Dakota (MVFC) | 4:00 PM | TBA |
| Oct 17 | at Youngstown State (MVFC) | 5:00 PM | TBA |
| Oct 24 | at Southern Illinois (MVFC) | 1:00 PM | TBA |
| Oct 31 | vs Indiana State (MVFC) | 1:00 PM | TBA |
| Nov 7 | vs South Dakota State (MVFC) | 1:00 PM | TBA |
| Nov 14 | at South Dakota (MVFC) | 1:00 PM | TBA |
| Nov 21 | at Murray State (MVFC) | 1:00 PM | TBA |
Times are local and subject to change. Bold entries are confirmed opponents; 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 Northern Iowa Football FAQ
How many home games does Northern Iowa have in 2026?
Northern Iowa has 5 home games on the 2026 schedule, all played at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Who does Northern Iowa open the 2026 season against?
Northern Iowa opens the 2026 season on the road at Eastern Washington on Sep 5.
What conference is Northern Iowa in for 2026?
Northern Iowa plays in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), one of the strongest leagues in the FCS, with 8 conference games on the 2026 schedule.
Can Northern Iowa make the 2026 FCS playoffs?
Yes. The MVFC champion earns an automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff, and the conference regularly places multiple teams in the bracket as at-large selections.
Is there a printable Northern Iowa schedule?
Yes. A free printable Northern Iowa schedule PDF is available at the top of this page, with every 2026 opponent, date, and kickoff in one sheet.
