The 2026 Northwestern State Demons football schedule is set. Northwestern State plays in the Southland Conference and runs a 12-game season. The Demons open August 27 vs Louisiana Christian. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Northwestern State Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: Southland Conference (FCS)
- Home stadium: Turpin Stadium, Natchitoches, LA
- Regular season: 12 games (6 home games, and 6 on the road)
- Conference games: 9
- Opener: August 27 vs Louisiana Christian
- Finale: November 19 at Stephen F. Austin
2026 Northwestern State Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27 | vs Louisiana Christian | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | at Louisiana Tech | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | at East Texas A&M | Away | Southland |
| Sept 19 | at Weber State | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | vs Southeastern Louisiana | Home | Southland |
| Oct 3 | at Lamar | Away | Southland |
| Oct 17 | vs McNeese | Home | Southland |
| Oct 24 | vs Nicholls | Home | Southland |
| Oct 31 | at Incarnate Word | Away | Southland |
| Nov 7 | vs UTRGV | Home | Southland |
| Nov 14 | vs Houston Christian | Home | Southland |
| Nov 19 | at Stephen F. Austin | Away | Southland |
Northwestern State opens the season August 27 vs Louisiana Christian and closes the regular season November 19 at Stephen F. Austin.
How the 2026 Northwestern State Season Sets Up
Northwestern State plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 3 non-conference dates and 9 Southland Conference games. The Demons play 6 home games, and 6 on the road.
Northwestern State, the Southland Conference Race, and the FCS Playoffs
The Southland Conference champion earns the league automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff bracket, so the conference race doubles as a playoff race. Follow the standings on our 2026 Southland Conference football schedule and standings page and print the field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch Northwestern State in 2026
Northwestern State games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks and regional outlets. 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 Northwestern State open the 2026 season?
Northwestern State opens the 2026 season August 27 vs Louisiana Christian. The regular season runs through the finale November 19 at Stephen F. Austin.
How many games do the Demons play in 2026?
Northwestern State plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 6 home games, and 6 on the road, including 9 Southland Conference games.
Does the Southland Conference champion make the FCS playoffs?
Yes. The Southland Conference champion earns the conference automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff bracket. Other Southland Conference teams can also earn at-large selections in a strong year.
Is there a printable Northwestern State schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Northwestern State schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Northwestern State football in 2026?
Northwestern State games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks and regional outlets. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed closer to gameday.
More 2026 FCS Coverage
Explore more: the 2026 Southland Conference football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
