A Breakdown of the UMary Marauders 2026 Football Schedule

Written by Marauder Football Alumni Association | May 16, 2026 11:13:06 PM

Football season is right around the corner, and the University of Mary Marauders have laid out a thrilling 2026 campaign. With an action-packed slate featuring high-stakes rivalry games, massive home matchups at the MDU Resources Community Bowl, and a special trip to Big Sky Country, there is plenty for Marauders fans to look forward to this autumn.

Whether you're planning your tailgates or scheduling your road trips, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 UMary football schedule.

The Headliners: Rivalry Games & Special Events

Every football schedule has those dates you immediately circle in red ink. This year, the Marauders have several massive calendar events:

  • The Season Opener (Aug 27): UMary kicks things off early in Week 0 with a Thursday night showdown under the lights. They will cross the state line into Glendive, Montana, to clash with Rocky Mountain College.
  • Homecoming 2026 (Oct 3): Pack the stands! The Marauders welcome the University of Jamestown to Bismarck for the annual Homecoming game. Expect an electric atmosphere at the Community Bowl.
  • Battle for the Paddle (Oct 10): One of the most anticipated rivalries of the year takes the Marauders to Moorhead, Minnesota, as they fight to bring the paddle back home against MSU Moorhead.
  • Battle for the Big Lake (Oct 31): Halloween will feature a spooky, hard-hitting in-state rivalry as the Marauders head north to face Minot State University.
  • Senior Day (Nov 14): The regular season concludes at home against Bemidji State, where UMary will honor its graduating senior class.

Complete 2026 UMary Football Schedule

Date Time Opponent Location Notes
Thu, Aug 27 7:30 PM vs. Rocky Mountain College Glendive, MT Season Opener (Week 0)
Sat, Sep 5 6:00 PM vs. Minnesota State, Mankato Bismarck, ND Home Opener / NSIC Play
Sat, Sep 12 12:00 PM @ Concordia-St. Paul St. Paul, MN First Conference Road Game
Sat, Sep 19 2:00 PM vs. University of Sioux Falls Bismarck, ND Home Game
Sat, Sep 26 12:30 PM @ Northern State University Aberdeen, SD Away Game
Sat, Oct 3 2:00 PM vs. University of Jamestown Bismarck, ND Homecoming 2026
Sat, Oct 10 12:00 PM @ MSU Moorhead Moorhead, MN Battle for the Paddle
Sat, Oct 24 1:00 PM vs. University of Minnesota Duluth Bismarck, ND Home Game
Sat, Oct 31 2:00 PM @ Minot State University Minot, ND Battle for the Big Lake
Sat, Nov 7 1:00 PM @ Winona State University Winona, MN Final Road Game
Sat, Nov 14 1:00 PM vs. Bemidji State University Bismarck, ND Senior Day

*All times are Central Standard Time (CST) and subject to change.

Key Takeaways for the 2026 Season

1. Striking Early in Week 0

By taking advantage of a Week 0 matchup against Rocky Mountain College on August 27, head coach Shann Schillinger's squad gets a head start on the competition. A Thursday night game in Montana is the perfect environment to test the roster before diving headfirst into a grueling conference schedule.

2. A Brutal NSIC Home Opener

There’s no easing into Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) play this year. For their first home game at the MDU Resources Community Bowl on September 5, the Marauders host Minnesota State, Mankato—traditionally one of the powerhouse programs in Division II. A strong showing here could set the tone for the entire season.

3. Home-Field Advantage Down the Stretch

With high-stakes road trips scattered through October, the Marauders will need the Bismarck community behind them. UMary gets five true home games this year, including crucial dates against Sioux Falls, Minnesota Duluth, and the regular-season finale against Bemidji State.

Get Your Tickets!

With a brand-new recruiting class signed on and major rivalries on the horizon, the 2026 season promises to be a memorable journey. Make sure to head over to GoUMary.com to secure your tickets, check out the live streaming options, and find tailgating information.

Go Marauders!
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