MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Northern Michigan football team has announced its schedule for the 2026 season, an 11-game slate that includes five home games inside the Superior Dome and six road contests. The season will mark the first for new head coach Matt Janus.

Janus takes over the Wildcat program after a successful six-year run at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he compiled a 45-14 record and led the Eagles to five consecutive NCAA Division III playoff appearances.

Northern opens the season on the road Thursday, Aug. 27, traveling to take on Minnesota State University Moorhead in a non-conference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. 

The home opener will take place the following week on Saturday, Sept. 5, hosting the Tiffin Dragons inside the Superior Dome. 

A trip to face Division I FCS opponent St. Thomas awaits on Sept. 12 before Northern returns home to host Davenport on Sept. 19. The Wildcats then enter their bye week on Sept. 26.

Conference play begins Oct. 3 when Northern hosts defending national champion Ferris State.

The Wildcats will then hit the road for back-to-back conference games, traveling to face Davenport on Oct. 10 and Upper Peninsula rival Michigan Tech on Oct. 17 in a battle for the Miner's Cup. 

Northern returns home Oct. 24 to host Roosevelt before heading to Wayne State on Oct. 31.

The final road game of the regular season comes Nov. 7 at Grand Valley State before the Wildcats close the season at home on Nov. 14 against Saginaw Valley State.

Northern enters the 2026 season with momentum after closing the 2025 campaign with back-to-back victories, including a dramatic 47-45 four-overtime win over Davenport and a 45-11 victory against Wayne State.

The Wildcats return several standout contributors, including running back Noah Dobert, a D2CCA Second Team All-American who is coming off a historic season.

Additional game times and promotional details will be announced at a later date.