Honestly, if you followed the Bemidji State football schedule this past year, you probably need a nap. It was a lot. We’re talking about a program that has basically been the "final boss" of the NSIC for the last few seasons, and then suddenly, 2025 happened. It wasn't exactly the script anyone in Bemidji wrote.
Usually, when you head down to Chet Anderson Stadium, you expect to see the Beavers dismantling people. But this year? The schedule was a gauntlet that didn't do them any favors, and the results were, well, they were a bit of a gut punch for the "Gang Green" faithful.
The 2025 Schedule Breakdown: A Rough Start
Let’s just look at how it kicked off. Opening the season on the road is always tricky, but going to Houghton to play Michigan Tech on a Thursday night? That’s a tough ask. The Beavers dropped that one 17-37. It didn't get much prettier from there.
The schedule makers really threw them into the deep end early. By the time they hit late September, they were sitting at 0-5. You read that right. Five losses in a row to start the year. It started with those road trips to Michigan Tech and Winona State, but then they had to host Sioux Falls and a top-10 Augustana squad back-to-back.
- Aug 28: at Michigan Tech (L, 17-37)
- Sep 6: at Winona State (L, 17-21) – This one was a heartbreaker.
- Sep 13: vs Sioux Falls (L, 23-56)
- Sep 20: vs Augustana (L, 14-42)
- Sep 27: at Minot State (L, 21-28)
Kinda wild when you realize this team was in the NCAA quarterfinals just the year before.
👉 See also: LeBron James Without Beard: Why the King Rarely Goes Clean Shaven Anymore
Turning the Corner in October
If you're a Beaver fan, October was when you finally got to stop holding your breath. Homecoming against Northern State on October 4th was the turning point. It wasn't a blowout—far from it—but a 24-21 win finally put a "1" in the win column.
They followed that up with a gritty 26-21 road win at Wayne State. Suddenly, the Bemidji State football schedule looked a lot more manageable. By the time they beat Jamestown 47-25 on October 25th (the Hall of Fame game), there was some genuine buzz that they might actually salvage a winning record.
- Northern State: 24-21 Win (Homecoming magic)
- Wayne State: 26-21 Win (Road grit)
- Jamestown: 47-25 Win (The offense finally exploded)
The Late Season Reality Check
Football in the Northern Sun is unforgiving. Just when it felt like the Beavers were back, they ran into the MSU Moorhead and Minnesota Duluth buzzsaws in November. Losing 21-49 to the Dragons and 28-42 to the Bulldogs basically ended any slim hopes of a miracle postseason run.
They did end on a high note, though. Beating UMary 34-21 at home on November 15th meant they finished the year 4-7. Is it what Brent Bolte wanted? Probably not. But considering they started 0-5, finishing 4-2 over the final six games showed this group didn't just quit when things got ugly.
✨ Don't miss: When is Georgia's next game: The 2026 Bulldog schedule and what to expect
What Most People Get Wrong About This Team
People see a 4-7 record and think the dynasty is over. That's a mistake. Honestly, look at the leadership. You’ve got guys like Isaac Hagstrom and Zach Ott on that offensive line. These are All-NSIC caliber players who have been through the wars.
The transition at quarterback was the big story. Connor Carver, a redshirt sophomore from Iowa, showed some massive flashes of what he can do. He’s a big kid—6’3”, 225 lbs—and he’s got wheels. He averaged over 10 yards a carry in limited action. When he’s the full-time guy with a year of this schedule under his belt, the NSIC should probably be worried.
The "Chet" Factor
There is nothing quite like a game at Chet Anderson Stadium. It’s one of the few places in college football where you can literally jump in the lake after a win. Even in a "down" year, the atmosphere stays top-tier.
The 2025 season saw the Beavers go 3-2 at home. They protect their turf. If you’re planning on catching a game in 2026, you’ve gotta make sure you’re there for the rivalry games. The atmosphere against Duluth or Augustana is basically unmatched in Division II.
🔗 Read more: Vince Carter Meme I Got One More: The Story Behind the Internet's Favorite Comeback
Why 2026 Looks Different
Expectations at Bemidji State don't stay low for long. Coach Bolte has a 75-33 record for a reason. One losing season doesn't erase a decade of dominance. The 2025 Bemidji State football schedule was a lesson in resilience, and with a younger roster getting those "baptism by fire" reps, the bounce-back is almost inevitable.
If you are looking to follow the team next season, keep an eye on the transfer portal and the incoming recruiting class. Bolte and his staff, including offensive coordinator Jordan Hein, are already retooling. Hein knows how to coach up wide receivers—he’s coached two All-Americans at BSU already—so expect the passing game to get a major facelift.
Next Steps for Beaver Fans:
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, start checking the official BSU Athletics site in late spring for the finalized 2026 dates. Usually, the non-conference openers are announced first, followed by the full NSIC slate. You’ll also want to look into season ticket renewals early, as the prime seats at "The Chet" go fast once the weather starts warming up in Northern Minnesota.