North Dakota Fighting Hawks Football Announces 2026 Schedule, Faces Nebraska
The University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks football team has released its regular season schedule for 2026, with a key matchup against the Nebraska Cornhuskers slated for . The schedule, as published by ESPN, marks another season for the Fighting Hawks as members of the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC).
The Fighting Hawks boast a rich football history, dating back to their first season in . Over 132 years, the program has compiled an all-time record of 694-446-30 (.606), demonstrating consistent performance and a strong tradition within collegiate football. The team plays its home games at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota, which has a capacity of 12,283.
North Dakota transitioned to NCAA Division I’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and has found considerable success at that level. Prior to that, they competed in NCAA Division II from 1973 to 2008, capturing the national championship in 2001. Before that, from 1955 to 1972, the Fighting Hawks competed in the NCAA’s College Division, winning three bowl games during that era.
The program has a long list of conference championships, including multiple titles in the North Central Conference (NCC), the Great West Football Conference, the Big Sky Conference, and most recently, the MVFC in 2020. Specifically, the Fighting Hawks have secured championships in the NCC in 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1934, 1936, 1937, 1939, 1958, 1964, 1966, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1979, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2003, and 2005-2006.
The team is currently coached by Eric Schmidt, who is in his first season, having achieved an 8-6 record in the previous season. Bill Chaves serves as the athletic director. The Fighting Hawks’ colors are Kelly green and white, and their fight song is “Fight On Sioux,” alongside “It’s For You, North Dakota U” and “Stand Up, and Cheer.” The team’s mascot is The Fighting Hawk, and the marching band is known as the Pride of the North.
The Fighting Hawks have established strong rivalries with North Dakota State, competing for the Nickel Trophy, and South Dakota, battling for the Sitting Bull Trophy. These games are often highly anticipated and draw significant regional interest.
The 2026 season opener against Nebraska represents a significant challenge for the Fighting Hawks. Details regarding the game time and television broadcast have not yet been announced, but ticket information is available, with prices starting as low as $60, according to ESPN. The game is expected to be a key early-season test for North Dakota as they aim to build upon their established football program and compete for another MVFC title.
The University of North Dakota Athletics continues to provide updates and information for fans through its official website, fightinghawks.com, and various news outlets. Further details regarding the complete 2026 schedule, including game times and television listings, will be released as they become available.
