Honestly, people usually overlook Ivy League football until they realize the history—and the sheer chaos—that happens on these cold Saturdays in Ithaca. If you're looking for the cornell university football schedule, you’ve probably noticed that the Ivy League operates in its own little world. No postseason (usually), no scholarships, just raw grit and some of the smartest athletes in the country hitting each other at Schoellkopf Field.
But 2025 changed the script. For the first time, the Ivy League opened the door to the FCS Playoffs. That shifted the entire vibe of the season. It wasn't just about a trophy anymore; it was about a national stage.
The 2025 Cornell University Football Schedule Breakdown
The Big Red's 2025 campaign was a wild ride of "almosts" and "finallys." They started with a brutal two-game road stretch that basically tested whether the team had any pulse after a coaching transition. Dan Swanstrom, in his second year, had to prove that his offensive schemes from Penn could actually translate to wins in Ithaca.
Here is how the 2025 season actually shook out:
The Road Opening
✨ Don't miss: What Place Is The Phillies In: The Real Story Behind the NL East Standings
- Sept 20: at UAlbany (L, 10-13). A heartbreaker. The defense held firm, but the offense just couldn't find the end zone when it mattered.
- Sept 27: at Yale (L, 24-41). Yale is always a tough out in New Haven. This was the Ivy opener, and it felt like a cold shower for Big Red fans.
The Homecoming Bounce Back
- Oct 4: vs. Colgate (L, 21-41). Homecoming is usually the biggest party in Ithaca, but Colgate spoiled the fun. Despite the loss, this was the game where junior QB Garrett Bass-Sulpizio started to look comfortable.
- Oct 10: at Harvard (L, 10-34). Friday night lights in Cambridge. It was a blowout, plain and simple. At 0-4, people were starting to whisper about another "rebuilding" year.
The "Miracle" Mid-Season Streak
Something clicked after the Harvard loss. Maybe it was the Ithaca air getting colder.
- Oct 18: vs. Bucknell (W, 30-20). Finally, a win.
- Oct 25: vs. Brown (W, 30-24 2OT). This was easily the game of the year. Double overtime. The Crescent was shaking.
- Nov 1: vs. Princeton (W, 20-17). Beating Princeton is always a statement.
- Nov 8: at Penn (W, 39-17). The Trustees' Cup stayed in Ithaca. Bass-Sulpizio accounted for a rushing TD for the seventh straight game.
The Closing Act
- Nov 15: at Dartmouth (L, 14-24). The win streak snapped in Hanover.
- Nov 22: vs. Columbia (L, 12-29). The Empire State Bowl. Columbia took the trophy back to NYC, leaving Cornell at 4-6 overall.
Why the 2026 Schedule Matters Even More
If you are already looking ahead to the cornell university football schedule for 2026, the dates are already trickling out.
🔗 Read more: Huskers vs Michigan State: What Most People Get Wrong About This Big Ten Rivalry
The non-conference slate is starting to take shape with a return trip to Colgate on September 19, 2026, followed by a game at Georgetown on October 3. They’ll host Lehigh on October 17. These non-conference games are basically a "vibe check" before the Ivy League gauntlet begins.
Most people get wrong that these games don't "count." In the new era of FCS playoff eligibility, every single Saturday matters for strength of schedule.
Schoellkopf Field: The Fan Experience
If you've never been to a game at Cornell, you're missing out on one of the most unique venues in sports. The Crescent—that massive concrete semi-circle—is iconic.
For 2025, ticket prices were actually pretty reasonable for Division I football. You could grab a seat in the Crescent for about $69. If you wanted the "all-you-can-eat" experience at the Colonnade, it would run you $229. It’s worth it if you plan on eating your weight in stadium snacks while watching the Big Red.
💡 You might also like: NFL Fantasy Pick Em: Why Most Fans Lose Money and How to Actually Win
The weather is the real "12th man" in Ithaca. By the time Princeton or Columbia rolls into town in November, you aren't just watching a football game; you're surviving an arctic blast. It’s glorious.
Key Players Who Defined the Schedule
You can't talk about the schedule without talking about the guys playing the games.
Garrett Bass-Sulpizio was the engine. Standing at 6'5", he’s a massive target in the pocket, but his ability to sneak for touchdowns (he had a streak of 7 games with a rushing TD) was the surprise of the Ivy League.
Then there’s Ryder Kurtz. The junior tight end was an All-American for a reason. He averaged nearly 56 yards per game, which is ridiculous for a tight end in this conference. Defensively, Braylon Howard was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, leading the Ivy League in passes broken up.
Actionable Insights for Big Red Fans
If you're planning your fall around the cornell university football schedule, here’s the reality of how to do it right:
- Book Ithaca hotels early. Homecoming (usually early October) and the season finale (late November) fill up the few hotels in town fast. If you wait until the week of, you’ll be staying in Elmira.
- Follow the "Friday Night" trend. The Ivy League has been leaning into Friday night games on ESPN/ESPNU. Check the schedule specifically for those 7:00 PM kickoffs; they change the whole travel dynamic.
- Prepare for the "Post-2025" Rule. Since the Ivy League is now participating in the FCS Playoffs, keep an eye on the November standings. If Cornell is in the hunt, the final game against Columbia isn't just for a trophy—it’s a playoff play-in.
- Download the Cornell Athletics App. Seriously, the weather in Ithaca changes in five minutes. If a game is delayed or moved, that’s where you’ll hear it first.
The 2025 season showed that Cornell isn't just a "bridge" team anymore. They can string together wins and compete with the top tier of the league. Whether you’re a student, an alum, or just a fan of old-school football, the Big Red schedule is your roadmap to some of the best Saturdays in the Northeast.
To get the most out of the upcoming season, start by checking the official Cornell Athletics ticket portal in late spring when season renewals begin. This is usually the cheapest time to lock in seats for the 2026 home games against Lehigh and the Ivy rivals.