2026 Football Schedule

[BCPanther]

Sept 5 at Eastern Washington 6:00 PM CT ESPN+
Austin Getz (pxp) Bill Ames (analyst)

Sept 12 Drake 1:00 PM ESPN+
Brad Wells (pxp) Justin Surrency (analyst)

Sept 19 at Iowa 3:00 PM FS1
Jack Kizer (pxp) Mark Helfrich (analyst)

Sept 26 Illinois State 4:00 PM ESPN+
Brad Wells (pxp) Justin Surrency (analyst)

Oct 3 Bye

Oct 10 North Dakota 4:00 PM ESPN+
Brad Wells (pxp) Justin Surrency (analyst)

Oct 17 at Youngstown State 5:00 PM ESPN+

Oct 24 at Southern Illinois 1:00 PM ESPN+

Oct 31 Indiana State 1:00 PM ESPN+
Brad Wells (pxp) Justin Surrency (analyst)

Nov 7 South Dakota State 1:00 PM ESPN+
Brad Wells (pxp) Justin Surrency (analyst)

Nov 14 at South Dakota 1:00 PM ESPN+

Nov 21 at Murray State 1:00 PM ESPN+

[BCPanther]

We did it again.

Scheduled Iowa in the same year we already have Iowa State on the books.

What is happening?

[DownGoesKansas]

lol good grief, we really might be seeing the end of our athletics program. #ThanksHarris

[FOTY]

We did it again.

Scheduled Iowa in the same year we already have Iowa State on the books.

What is happening?

Seriously!?!?!?! Has Farley just given up on any control of the schedule? Is Harris trying to push him out? Who the hell would want to replace Farley at this point? My Gosh!

[clenz]

Farley isn’t under contract for 2026, is he? IIRC 2025 is his last season in his current deal

[BCPanther]

Seriously!?!?!?! Has Farley just given up on any control of the schedule? Is Harris trying to push him out? Who the hell would want to replace Farley at this point? My Gosh!

I don't think Mark has had any say on his schedule for a long, long time. We know he didn't with Dannen and I can't imagine much has changed.

It's bull****. It's actively killing the program. It's an absolutely unacceptable and lazy way to run the department.

[BrockLesnar]

Good Lord, he's going to fire Mark. We're screwed. Our football will be the next Indiana State.

[BrockLesnar]

I guess we just have to get used to 5-6 for life.

[SteinPizza]

You all would know better than I, but the scheduling of two FBS teams in a year could point to really poor upcoming budget projections, correct? In other words, is it possible these schedules are being heavily influenced by projected finances (or lack thereof), as opposed to some other reason?

[06panther10]

You all would know better than I, but the scheduling of two FBS teams in a year could point to really poor upcoming budget projections, correct? In other words, is it possible these schedules are being heavily influenced by projected finances (or lack thereof), as opposed to some other reason?

This is exactly what it means.

[ronfitch]

Farley isn’t under contract for 2026, is he? IIRC 2025 is his last season in his current deal

He was extended through the '26 season (https://www.desmoinesregister.com/st...cs/7382913002/).

This - and the 2024 schedule - would seem to indicate serious funding issues in the AD.

[BCPanther]

If only we employed someone in a very high level position and paid them well into six figures whose sole job was to raise money. Real missed opportunity on our part as every other athletic department on earth seems to have that person...

[havok58]

You all would know better than I, but the scheduling of two FBS teams in a year could point to really poor upcoming budget projections, correct? In other words, is it possible these schedules are being heavily influenced by projected finances (or lack thereof), as opposed to some other reason?

While that is most likely the case, I would hope Harris looked around at other BCS schools that would pay more than Iowa or ISU is paying. Sure the games are great for the state and fans of the programs, but why not look at Wisconsin again, or Ohio State. Heck, see what the SEC schools are offering for the sacrificial lambs. It’s all about the money, right?

[BrockLesnar]

While that is most likely the case, I would hope Harris looked around at other BCS schools that would pay more than Iowa or ISU is paying. Sure the games are great for the state and fans of the programs, but why not look at Wisconsin again, or Ohio State. Heck, see what the SEC schools are offering for the sacrificial lambs. It’s all about the money, right?

Play LSU at least the colors match.

[BrockLesnar]

I would assume Sept 12 will be our off week. Need rest going into Kinnick vs a top 20ish team. Usually our bye is just before conference play, though.