Photo by Samantha Davis: Southwest Minnesota State University linebacker Josiah Hedensten (22) celebrates a sack during a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference football game against Sioux Falls (S.D.) on Oct. 11 at Mattke Field in Marshall.

MARSHALL — The Southwest Minnesota State University football program announced its 2026 schedule on Tuesday, featuring six home games in the 11-game slate as well as a non-conference matchup against Valley City State (N.D.). The schedule features six in-division Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference opponents, four non-division opponents and a non-conference game.

The Mustangs kick off their season at home against Valley City State on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. at Mattke Field. SMSU also hosts Northern State for the Ag Bowl on Sept. 12, Minnesota Duluth for homecoming on Oct. 3 and Winona State for the Battle for the Sledge on Nov. 14. Other Mustang home opponents include Wayne State and Minnesota State.

SMSU has won each of its first two matchups against Valley City State, most recently claiming a 29-19 win in 1988.

In terms of road opponents, SMSU will take on Bemidji State, Minot State, Sioux Falls, Augustana and Concordia-St. Paul.

Scott Underwood will be entering his fifth season as the team’s head coach, compiling a 7-37 record over his first four seasons with the team. SMSU has won one game over the last two seasons, and hasn’t won a home game since Nov. 11, 2023.

The Mustangs’ lone win last season came in week 2 against NSIC and Division II-newcomer Jamestown, 12-7. Jamestown is one of three NSIC teams that the Mustangs do not play this year, along with UMary and Minnesota State-Moorhead.

SMSU’s only other one-possession game last season came against Concordia-St. Paul, who it lost to 19-14 last season after entering the fourth quarter with a 1-point lead. SMSU will look to shift that result in its favor when the teams meet again on Nov. 7 at Sea Foam Stadium.

The Mustangs began spring practices on Tuesday, being allowed a total of 15 practices per NCAA regulations. SMSU hosts Dakota State in a controlled scrimmage on April 22 and 4:30 p.m.

A pair of the Mustangs’ opponents qualified for last year’s Division II college football playoff, including Minnesota State (who reached the quarterfinals before falling to eventual national champion Ferris State) and Minnesota Duluth.

SCHEDULE

Thursday, Aug 27 vs. Valley City State (N.D.), 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 5 at Bemidji State, 3 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. Northern State (S.D.), 5 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 19 at Minot State (N.D.), 2 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26 vs. Wayne State (Neb.), 5 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 3 vs. Minnesota Duluth, 3 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 10 at Sioux Falls (S.D.), 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 24 at Augustana (S.D.), 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31 vs. Minnesota State, noon

Saturday, Nov. 7 at Concordia-St. Paul, noon

Saturday, Nov. 14 vs. Winona State, noon