Honestly, if you're looking at the uw wyoming football schedule and expecting the same old Mountain West grind, you haven't been paying attention to how much the landscape is shifting. 2025 was a brutal reality check for the Pokes. A 4-8 finish under Jay Sawvel’s first year wasn't exactly the "passing of the torch" fans in Laramie were hoping for after Craig Bohl stepped away. But looking ahead to 2026? It’s a whole different animal.
The schedule isn't just about who we're playing; it’s about the fact that the Mountain West is expanding.
In 2026, the league adds Northern Illinois (NIU) and UTEP. That changes everything for the Cowboys. It's not just the "usual suspects" like Colorado State or Air Force anymore. We're talking about a schedule that stretches from the high plains of Wyoming all the way to El Paso and the suburbs of Chicago. It's kinda chaotic, and frankly, it's going to test the depth of this roster like never before.
Why the uw wyoming football schedule feels different this time
Most people just glance at the dates and opponents and call it a day. They see "at Colorado State" on September 5 and think, "Okay, the Border War is early."
But there’s a nuance here. Usually, the Border War is a late-season frost-biter. Moving it to the season opener in Fort Collins? That’s weird. It’s high-stakes football before the team has even found its rhythm. It basically eliminates the "cupcake" warmup period most programs rely on.
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After that trip to Canvas Stadium, things don't exactly get "easy," though the home opener against Northern Colorado on September 12 should be a breather. Then it's back on a plane to Mount Pleasant to face Central Michigan on September 19. If you're keeping track, that's two road games in the first three weeks. For a team that historically plays way better at 7,220 feet, that’s a tough ask.
The New Blood: NIU and UTEP
You've probably heard the buzz about the Mountain West's expansion. For the Cowboys, this means road trips that didn't exist two years ago. We know the Pokes will travel to DeKalb to play the NIU Huskies and down to the Sun Bowl to face UTEP. These aren't just "extra games." They’re games against programs with massive chips on their shoulders, trying to prove they belong in the new-look MW.
- At NIU: This is a physical, MAC-style program. It’s going to be a mirror match for Wyoming.
- At UTEP: The heat in El Paso is no joke, even in the fall. It’s a complete 180 from the Laramie wind.
- UConn at Home: November 28. Yes, the Huskies are coming to War Memorial. That’s a bizarre late-season non-conference game that could have massive bowl implications if both teams are hovering around six wins.
Home Sweet (and Cold) Home
The 2026 conference home slate features some heavy hitters. Air Force, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico are all scheduled to make the trek to Laramie.
Here’s the thing: everyone talks about the altitude. It's real. But by the time Hawaii or New Mexico shows up in October or November, the altitude is the least of their worries. It's the horizontal sleet. Wyoming needs to sweep these home games to have any prayer of a winning season.
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We saw what happened in 2025—losing home games to Nevada and UNLV basically killed the season. You can't let that happen in 2026. The margin for error is basically zero because the road schedule—at San Jose State and at UNLV, along with the new additions—is significantly more difficult than it looks on paper.
Breaking down the 2026 Non-Conference Matchups
- Sept 5 – at Colorado State: The Bronze Boot is on the line immediately. No pressure.
- Sept 12 – Northern Colorado: The classic "state pride" game. This should be a comfortable win, but the Pokes have a history of playing down to FCS competition when they're distracted.
- Sept 19 – at Central Michigan: A long flight and a scrappy MAC opponent. These are the games that define the "Bohl-era" toughness that Sawvel is trying to maintain.
- Nov 28 – UConn: This is the season finale. It’s rare to see a non-conference game this late, but with the way scheduling worked out for 2026, it’s a primetime opportunity for the Pokes to finish strong on national TV.
The Reality of the "New" Mountain West
Let’s be real for a second. The uw wyoming football schedule for 2026 is a logistical nightmare compared to five years ago.
The travel miles are going up significantly. When you add NIU and UTEP to a rotation that already includes Hawaii and San Jose State, you're asking a lot of student-athletes. Coach Sawvel has been vocal about the need for better NIL support and facilities to keep up with this "semi-pro" version of the Mountain West. If the recruiting doesn't take a jump, these long road trips are going to lead to second-half collapses in November.
Also, keep an eye on the San Jose State and UNLV road dates. Those haven't been finalized with exact times yet, but they’ll likely be mid-season tests. UNLV, in particular, has turned into a powerhouse in the league. Going into Allegiant Stadium is no longer a "guaranteed win" like it was a decade ago. It’s a house of horrors.
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What you should actually do now
If you're planning on following the Pokes this year, don't just wait for the season to start. The first thing is to look at the ticket situation for that Colorado State opener. Since it's in Fort Collins this time, the allotment for Wyoming fans is going to be tight. If you don't secure those early, you're going to be paying triple on the secondary market.
Second, pay close attention to the transfer portal window. Wyoming lost some key pieces after the 2025 season because of the coaching transition and the 4-8 record. For this 2026 schedule to be manageable, they need to find a veteran presence at quarterback and some serious help on the defensive line. The schedule is set, but the roster is still a work in progress.
Lastly, bookmark the official athletic site or keep an eye on the Mountain West's digital network. With the new TV deals, some of these games might shift to Thursdays or Fridays. Don't be the person who shows up to a tailgate on Saturday only to realize the game was played the night before.
Check the specific kickoff times as they are released in late spring. This 2026 season is going to be a wild ride with the new conference members, and for Wyoming, it’s a chance to prove that the "Cowboy Tough" mantra still means something in a changing college football world.