The 2026 Minnesota football schedule opens at home against Eastern Illinois on September 3 at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Minnesota Golden Gophers face 12 regular-season games plus a potential Big Ten Championship appearance, with a mid-October bye and high-profile home dates against ranked Michigan and Iowa.
Huntington Bank Stadium hosts seven home dates on the 2026 Minnesota football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in late October and early November with consecutive road games at ranked Indiana and Penn State sandwiching a home date against UCLA.
2026 Minnesota Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Eastern Illinois PanthersHuntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN | 8:00pm ETNBCSN/Peacock | ||
| Saturday | Mississippi State BulldogsHuntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN | 3:30pm ETCBS/Paramount+ | ||
| Saturday | Akron ZipsHuntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN | 12:00pm ETBTN | ||
| Saturday | at 17 Washington HuskiesHusky Stadium, Seattle, WA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 16 Michigan WolverinesHuntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Purdue BoilermakersRoss-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | OFF | |||
| Saturday | 22 Iowa HawkeyesHuntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN | 3:00-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 6 Indiana HoosiersMemorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | UCLA BruinsHuntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 18 Penn State Nittany LionsBeaver Stadium, University Park, PA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Northwestern WildcatsHuntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Friday | at Wisconsin BadgersCamp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI | 7:30pm ETNBC/Peacock | ||
| Saturday | vs Big Ten ChampionshipLucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN | 8:00pm ETFOX |
How the 2026 Minnesota Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with three home games and a ranked road test on the 2026 Minnesota Golden Gophers football schedule. Eastern Illinois, Mississippi State and Akron at Huntington Bank Stadium, then a trip to #17 Washington. That early stretch gives the Golden Gophers a strong home start before Big Ten play intensifies.
October brings #16 Michigan at home, a road trip to Purdue, the bye week, #22 Iowa at home, and a road game at #6 Indiana. The ranked home dates against Michigan and Iowa are the clearest mid-season measuring sticks.
November features UCLA at home, a road trip to #18 Penn State, Northwestern at home, and a Friday night road game at Wisconsin on NBC/Peacock. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible Big Ten Championship appearance.
Home Games at Huntington Bank Stadium
Seven home dates appear on the 2026 Minnesota football schedule:
- September 3 vs. Eastern Illinois
- September 12 vs. Mississippi State
- September 19 vs. Akron
- October 3 vs. #16 Michigan
- October 24 vs. #22 Iowa
- November 7 vs. UCLA
- November 21 vs. Northwestern
The Michigan and Iowa games will generate the strongest crowds in Minneapolis.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 Minnesota football schedule.
The October 3 home game against #16 Michigan is an early Big Ten measuring stick. The October 24 home date against #22 Iowa is a key ranked test. The November 14 road trip to #18 Penn State will likely decide late-season momentum.
Win two of those three and the Golden Gophers stay in control of their path toward a possible December 5 Big Ten Championship appearance in Indianapolis.
Where to Watch Minnesota Golden Gophers Football
Confirmed networks on the 2026 Minnesota football schedule:
- NBCSN/Peacock (Sept. 3 vs. Eastern Illinois)
- CBS/Paramount+ (Sept. 12 vs. Mississippi State)
- BTN (Sept. 19 vs. Akron)
- NBC/Peacock (Nov. 27 at Wisconsin)
- FOX (Dec. 5 Big Ten Championship)
Most remaining Big Ten games still list TV as TBA. Expect additional network assignments once the final slate is set.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Sept. 3 — Season opener vs. Eastern Illinois, 8:00 p.m. ET, NBCSN/Peacock
- Oct. 3 — #16 Michigan at home
- Oct. 17 — Bye week
- Oct. 24 — #22 Iowa at home
- Nov. 14 — At #18 Penn State
- Nov. 27 — At Wisconsin, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock
- Dec. 5 — Potential Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis, 8:00 p.m. ET, FOX
The 2026 Minnesota football schedule opens with three home games and builds toward ranked tests. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does Minnesota open the 2026 season?
Minnesota opens the 2026 season at home against Eastern Illinois on Thursday, September 3 at 8:00 p.m. ET on NBCSN/Peacock.
How many home games do the Minnesota Golden Gophers have in 2026?
The Golden Gophers have seven home games at Huntington Bank Stadium on the 2026 Minnesota football schedule: Eastern Illinois, Mississippi State, Akron, #16 Michigan, #22 Iowa, UCLA, and Northwestern.
Who do the Minnesota Golden Gophers play on October 24?
On October 24 the Golden Gophers host #22 Iowa at Huntington Bank Stadium. Time and TV are still TBA (window listed as 3:00-8:00pm ET).
What channel are Minnesota games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include NBCSN/Peacock, CBS/Paramount+, BTN, NBC/Peacock, and FOX. Most Big Ten games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
