It is a Saturday morning in Greeley, and the wind is doing that thing where it whips across the plains just hard enough to make you double-check your tailgate tent stakes. If you've ever stood outside Nottingham Field, you know the vibe. It isn't the 100,000-seat madness of a Big Ten powerhouse, but there’s a specific, gritty energy to Big Sky football that hits differently.
Navigating the university of northern colorado football schedule is basically a rite of passage for local fans. Honestly, if you aren't tracking the dates, you're going to miss some of the best FCS football in the mountain region.
The 2025 season just wrapped up with some massive swings. We saw the Bears take down Portland State in a 24-13 finale that actually felt like progress. But now, all eyes are on the 2026 slate. Ed Lamb is heading into year four, and the schedule they’ve put together is... well, it’s ambitious.
Breaking Down the 2026 University of Northern Colorado Football Schedule
The university recently pulled the curtain back on the 2026 campaign. It’s a 12-game monster. Six of those are happening right here at Nottingham Field.
Kicking things off in August is a bit of a curveball. Usually, you see a non-conference "cupcake" game to start, but the Bears are diving straight into the deep end with a conference matchup.
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The Non-Conference Gauntlet
Before the Big Sky grind truly takes over, the Bears have some fascinating out-of-conference dates.
- September 5: South Dakota comes to Greeley. This is a heavy-hitter matchup against a MVFC opponent that always plays physical.
- September 12: The short trip up I-25 (and then a climb up the canyon) to Laramie. Facing Wyoming at War Memorial Stadium is a massive regional rivalry game. It's high altitude, high stakes, and usually a very loud environment for the Bears.
- September 19: Northeastern State visits Nottingham Field.
- September 26: A home date with Utah Tech.
The Big Sky Grind: Road Warriors
Once October hits, the schedule gets significantly tougher. The Bears have to travel to some of the most hostile environments in the FCS.
Going to Missoula to play Montana on October 3 is no joke. Washington-Grizzly Stadium is essentially a bear pit (pun intended) where 25,000 people scream for three hours straight. Then, they have to turn around and go to Eastern Washington on October 10. If you’ve never seen "The Inferno"—their bright red turf—on TV, it’s even weirder in person.
Home Games You Can't Miss at Nottingham Field
If you're looking to actually attend a game, certain dates on the university of northern colorado football schedule stand out more than others.
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The home opener on August 29 against Weber State is the big one. It's a conference game right out of the gate. That's rare. It sets the tone for the entire semester.
Then you’ve got the November 14 clash with Montana State. The Bobcats are perennial playoff contenders. Bringing a team of that caliber into Greeley late in the season, when the Colorado weather starts to get "interesting," is exactly what Big Sky fans live for.
2026 Home Schedule at a Glance
- August 29 vs. Weber State
- September 5 vs. South Dakota
- September 19 vs. Northeastern State
- September 26 vs. Utah Tech
- October 17 vs. Cal Poly
- November 14 vs. Montana State
The Ed Lamb Factor and the Future
Coach Ed Lamb came in with a reputation for rebuilding programs. He did it at Southern Utah. He’s trying to do it here.
People often forget how hard the transition is in the Big Sky. This isn't a "middle-of-the-road" conference. You have teams like Montana and Montana State that consistently rank in the national top ten. For UNC to compete, the schedule has to be more than just a list of dates—it’s a roadmap for recruiting.
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One thing that most people get wrong about the university of northern colorado football schedule is the "cupcake" myth. In the FCS, there aren't many easy wins. When you're playing UC Davis or Idaho, you're playing against future NFL talent. Just look at the 2025 results; the Bears pulled off a massive upset against #13 Idaho, winning 49-33 on the road. That kind of win proves that on any given Saturday, this schedule is a minefield for opponents.
Practical Tips for Game Day
Parking at UNC can be a bit of a headache if you don't plan ahead. The lots surrounding Nottingham Field usually require a permit or a pre-paid pass. If you're looking for the "insider" move, try grabbing a spot near the auxiliary lots and walking through campus—the trees are beautiful in late September.
Also, dress in layers. I know it sounds like "Mom advice," but the Greeley wind is real. You can start the first quarter in a t-shirt and be shivering by the fourth.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Sync your calendar: Most fans wait until August to check the dates. Don't. Download the 2026 schedule now and mark that September 12 Wyoming game if you plan on making the drive to Laramie.
- Check the TV broadcast: Most Big Sky games, including UNC’s home slate, are broadcast on ESPN+. If you can't make it to Nottingham Field, make sure your subscription is active.
- Buy early for the big ones: Games against Montana State or rivalry matchups like the Wyoming game see ticket prices jump significantly as the date approaches.
- Watch the weather: If the forecast says 15 mph winds, expect 25 mph at the stadium. Bring the heavy jacket.
The road ahead for the Bears isn't easy. But looking at the university of northern colorado football schedule, there’s a clear path for this team to make some noise in the Big Sky. Whether you're a student, an alum, or just someone who loves Saturday afternoon football, Greeley is the place to be.