The Northland air gets a specific kind of crisp when football season hits Duluth. If you've ever stood on the sidelines at James S. Malosky Stadium, you know it's not just about the game; it’s about that Lake Superior breeze cutting through your hoodie while the Bulldogs trade paint with some of the toughest Division II squads in the country. Honestly, keeping track of the university of minnesota duluth football schedule can feel like a part-time job because the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) is basically a weekly gauntlet.
Last season was a wild ride. The Bulldogs finished with a strong 10-2 record, proving they're still the big dogs in the region despite some stiff competition. But let's look ahead. If you're planning your Saturdays around the maroon and gold, you need the actual dirt on where they’re playing and who’s likely to give them a headache.
Breaking Down the 2025 Matchups
The 2025 slate kicked off with something totally unique—a neutral site game at TCO Stadium in Eagan. Seeing NCAA football at the Vikings' practice facility was a massive vibe shift.
Here is how the meat of the schedule actually shook out:
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- Aug 28: Winona State (Neutral Site - Eagan, MN). A 35-7 statement win to start the year.
- Sept 6: at Concordia-St. Paul. A 61-7 blowout that showed the offense was firing on all cylinders.
- Sept 13: Minnesota State (Home). This was Military Appreciation Day and a total nail-biter, ending 17-14 in favor of UMD.
- Sept 20: at University of Sioux Falls. Another W, 34-17.
- Sept 27: MSU Moorhead (Homecoming). 28-14 win. The energy on campus for this was unmatched.
- Oct 4: Southwest Minnesota State (Home). 63-28. Total offensive clinic.
- Oct 11: at Northern State. The first stumble. A 31-34 heartbreaker in Aberdeen.
- Oct 25: University of Mary (Home). 54-32. A high-scoring affair that got the momentum back.
- Nov 1: at University of Jamestown. 45-29.
- Nov 8: Bemidji State (Senior Day). 42-28. Taking care of business at home.
- Nov 15: at Minot State. 33-7. Closing the regular season strong.
The post-season run ended in a tough 7-32 loss to Ashland University in the NCAA II Playoffs on Nov 22. It wasn't the ending fans wanted, but an 8-3 regular season record (7-3 in conference) is nothing to sneeze at.
Why the NSIC Schedule is a Different Beast
Most people don't realize how grueling the NSIC travel is. You're jumping on a bus in Duluth and heading to places like Aberdeen, South Dakota, or Jamestown, North Dakota. It's hours of staring at flat cornfields just to get hit by a 250-pound linebacker. The university of minnesota duluth football schedule is designed to test depth, and in 2025, that depth was tested early.
Kyle Walljasper, the redshirt senior quarterback, was basically a cheat code. He put up over 800 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground alone. When you have a dual-threat guy like that, the schedule looks a lot more manageable. But it wasn't just him. Guys like Luke Dehnicke—who was a Harlon Hill Trophy nominee—made the defense a nightmare for opposing coordinators.
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The Home Field Advantage
Malosky Stadium is a fortress. In 2025, the Bulldogs went 4-1 at home. There’s something about that turf and the way the sound bounces off the hills in Duluth. If you missed the Minnesota State game on Sept 13, you missed one of the best defensive stands in recent program history.
Tickets for these games aren't usually bank-breaking, which is nice. General admission usually hovers around $15 for premium games, while UMD students get in free with a UCard. It makes for a loud, student-heavy atmosphere that definitely rattles opposing QBs.
Looking Toward the 2026 Horizon
As we roll into the 2026 cycle, the narrative changes slightly. We lose some veteran leadership, but the recruiting class coming in is massive—36 new faces, mostly from Minnesota and Wisconsin.
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- Watch the Defensive Line: With several seniors graduating, the 2026 schedule will be defined by how quickly the young big men up front can adjust to the speed of the NSIC.
- Road Warrior Mentality: UMD has a few more "long" road trips in the upcoming rotation. Winning on the road in Bismarck or Sioux Falls is what separates playoff teams from "almost" teams.
- The Rivalry Factor: Keep an eye on the Bemidji State game. It’s always personal, and it usually has massive playoff implications.
How to Follow the Bulldogs
If you can't make it to Duluth, you aren't totally out of luck. The broadcast deal with MY9 Sports has been extended through the 2027-28 season. This means if you're in the local market, you're getting all the home games on TV. For everyone else, the NSIC Network is the go-to for streaming.
Radio coverage is also pretty solid. KDAL (AM 610 & FM 103.9) and KTCO (98.9 FM) handle most of the play-by-play. There’s a certain nostalgia to listening to a night game over the radio while driving through the Northwoods that just fits the UMD brand.
Actions You Should Take Now
If you're a die-hard or just a casual fan looking to catch a game, here’s the smart way to do it:
- Check the Official UMD Athletics Site Weekly: Dates and times in the NSIC are notorious for shifting slightly due to weather or broadcast needs.
- Buy Homecoming Tickets Early: The Sept 27 game against MSU Moorhead sold out fast in 2025. Don't wait until the week of.
- Bundle Up: I cannot stress this enough. Even a "warm" October day in Duluth feels different once the sun starts to dip. Layers are your best friend.
The university of minnesota duluth football schedule isn't just a list of dates; it's the heartbeat of the campus during the fall. Whether they're crushing a rival or grinding out a win in the snow, the Bulldogs remain one of the most consistent programs in the region. Grab your maroon gear and get to Malosky—you won't regret it.