The 2026 Drake Bulldogs football schedule is set. Drake plays in the Pioneer Football League and runs a 11-game season. The Bulldogs open August 27 vs South Dakota Mines. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Drake Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: Pioneer Football League (FCS)
- Home stadium: Drake Stadium, Des Moines, IA
- Regular season: 11 games (5 home games, and 6 on the road)
- Conference games: 8
- Opener: August 27 vs South Dakota Mines
- Finale: November 14 at St. Thomas
2026 Drake Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27 | vs South Dakota Mines | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | at Montana | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | at Northern Iowa | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | at Davidson | Away | PFL |
| Oct 3 | vs Dayton | Home | PFL |
| Oct 10 | at Valparaiso | Away | PFL |
| Oct 17 | vs Marist | Home | PFL |
| Oct 24 | vs Butler | Home | PFL |
| Oct 31 | at Morehead State | Away | PFL |
| Nov 7 | vs San Diego | Home | PFL |
| Nov 14 | at St. Thomas | Away | PFL |
Drake opens the season August 27 vs South Dakota Mines and closes the regular season November 14 at St. Thomas.
How the 2026 Drake Season Sets Up
Drake plays a 11-game regular season in 2026: 3 non-conference dates and 8 Pioneer Football League games. The Bulldogs play 5 home games, and 6 on the road.
Drake, the Pioneer Football League Race, and the FCS Playoffs
The Pioneer Football League 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 Pioneer Football League football schedule and standings page and print the field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch Drake in 2026
Drake 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 Drake open the 2026 season?
Drake opens the 2026 season August 27 vs South Dakota Mines. The regular season runs through the finale November 14 at St. Thomas.
How many games do the Bulldogs play in 2026?
Drake plays a 11-game regular season in 2026: 5 home games, and 6 on the road, including 8 Pioneer Football League games.
Does the Pioneer Football League champion make the FCS playoffs?
Yes. The Pioneer Football League champion earns the conference automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff bracket. Other Pioneer Football League teams can also earn at-large selections in a strong year.
Is there a printable Drake schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Drake schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Drake football in 2026?
Drake 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 Pioneer Football League football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
