Look, if you’re trying to follow the university of mary bismarck football schedule, you’ve probably realized by now that Division II football in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) is a total grind. It’s not just about showing up on a Saturday afternoon at the MDU Resources Community Bowl; it's about surviving a schedule that pits a rising Bismarck program against some of the heaviest hitters in the Midwest.
Honestly, the 2025 season was a rollercoaster. People see the final record and think they know the story, but they don't. You had games like the heart-stopping 28-22 win over Midland University to kick things off on August 28, and then you had the absolute dogfights against ranked opponents that defined the middle of the autumn.
If you're looking for the 2026 outlook or just trying to make sense of how the Marauders navigated their recent slate, you have to look at the context of the NSIC North. This isn't just "small school" ball. It's high-stakes, "greatness through virtue" football under the lights in North Dakota.
Breaking Down the 2025 University of Mary Bismarck Football Schedule
To understand where the program is going, we have to look at the gauntlet they just ran. The university of mary bismarck football schedule for 2025 was structured with a non-conference opener followed by a relentless ten-game NSIC conference run.
The season started with a bang at home in Bismarck. On Thursday, August 28, 2025, the Marauders took down Midland University 28-22. It was a statement game. But then things got real. They hit the road to face Wayne State on September 6 and got a tough 7-42 wake-up call. That’s the NSIC for you—one week you’re on top of the world, the next you’re regrouping on a long bus ride back from Nebraska.
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One of the most talked-about games was the September 13 matchup against Augustana University. Losing 20-21 at home is the kind of result that keeps a coaching staff up at night. One point. That’s the difference between a winning season and a "rebuilding" narrative.
The Mid-Season Momentum Shift
September 20 saw the Marauders travel to Marshall, Minnesota, where they absolutely dismantled Southwest Minnesota State 40-9. It felt like the offense under new coordinator Taylor Kolste finally clicked. But the schedule makers didn't do them any favors. They immediately had to return home to face Northern State on September 27, resulting in a 14-53 loss.
The volatility of the university of mary bismarck football schedule is basically its defining feature. You can't get comfortable.
Key Matchups and "The Battle for the Paddle"
If you're a local, you know the game against Minot State is the one circled in red on every calendar. The "Battle for the Paddle" is more than just a rivalry; it’s about regional bragging rights in North Dakota. On November 1, 2025, UMary defended their turf with a 36-21 victory over the Beavers.
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Winning that game basically saves a season in the eyes of many boosters.
The Late Season Grind
As the North Dakota winter starts to peek through in November, the games get grittier.
- October 25: A tough 32-54 loss on the road against No. 15 Minnesota Duluth.
- November 8: A high-scoring 29-36 loss to Winona State where Jordan Polo Solomon and Karsyn Jablonski connected for a record-breaking 97-yard touchdown pass.
- November 15: The season finale in Bemidji. A 21-34 loss that ended the year on a bittersweet note.
What Most People Miss About Marauders Football
People talk about the wins and losses, but they miss the statistical leaps. In 2025, under Head Coach Shann Schillinger, the Marauders set an NCAA-era program record for first downs (32) during their 44-22 win over the University of Jamestown on October 4.
The program is transitioning. They are moving away from being a "tough out" to being a team that can actually dictate the pace of the game. With guys like Andrew Trandahl in the backfield and Karsyn Jablonski stretching the field, the 2026 university of mary bismarck football schedule is likely to see even more offensive fireworks.
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The 2026 Outlook: What's Next?
While the official 2026 dates are often finalized late in the spring, we know the rhythm. You can expect another August start, likely with a non-conference regional opponent, followed by the rotating NSIC schedule.
The Marauders will likely see home games against teams like Bemidji State and Minnesota Duluth in 2026, reversing the travel schedule from the previous year. If you're planning to attend, remember that the MDU Resources Community Bowl is a shared facility, so checking the schedule for high school playoff conflicts is always a smart move.
Real Insights for Marauders Fans
If you want to actually enjoy the university of mary bismarck football schedule, stop just looking at the scoreboards on Twitter.
- Watch the "Voice of the Marauders": Dan Doherty and Hall of Famer Roger Thomas provide some of the best DII commentary in the country. Their insights into the "Greatness Through Virtue" philosophy actually explain why the team plays the way they do.
- The Wind Factor: If you’re heading to a home game in October or November, the wind coming off the Missouri River is no joke. It completely changes the kicking game and deep ball accuracy.
- The NSIC Network: Every game is streamed. If you can't make the drive to Duluth or Bemidji, the NSIC Network is surprisingly high-quality for Division II.
The University of Mary isn't just a school in Bismarck; it's a program trying to find its soul in a conference dominated by giants. Following the schedule isn't just about dates—it's about watching a program try to climb a very steep hill.
To get the most out of the upcoming season, make sure you download the GoUMary app early. It's the most reliable way to get kickoff time changes, which happen more often than you'd think due to weather or TV adjustments. Also, keep an eye on the recruiting trail this winter; Taylor Kolste's offense needs a specific type of mobile quarterback to really hit that next gear in 2026.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check Ticket Availability: Visit the official UMary Athletics site (GoUMary.com) to secure season tickets for the 2026 home slate.
- Sync Your Calendar: Use the digital "Add to Calendar" feature on the NSIC website to ensure you never miss a kickoff due to a last-minute time change.
- Support the Armada: If you're a local business owner or alum, consider joining the Marauders Armada to help fund the travel costs for those long conference road trips to southern Minnesota and Nebraska.
- Review the Roster: Familiarize yourself with the returning starters, especially in the secondary, as the NSIC is becoming a pass-heavy league that will test UMary's depth in 2026.