Anticipation is building for the next football season, and Wartburg College just dropped its 2026 football schedule. The Knights are gearing up for a lineup that features five home games and five away, which feels pretty balanced if you ask me.
The season gets rolling on September 5, 2026, with a road trip to Monmouth College. After that, fans can expect some high-stakes matchups that should keep things interesting all fall. There are three big American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) games at Walston-Hoover Stadium, plus four league games on the road. For all the details and a closer look at the schedule, check out the official announcement.
2026 Wartburg Football Schedule Breakdown
The Knights’ 2026 campaign starts off with a real test. That opener at Monmouth College on September 5 isn’t just any game—it’s a chance for Wartburg to set the tone early.
Monmouth finished 9-2 last year and probably hasn’t forgotten their season-opening loss to Wartburg. This first matchup will show right away where the Knights stand.
Non-Conference Showdowns
After that, Wartburg heads home for a tough non-conference stretch. On September 12, North Central College comes to town—the 2026 national runner-up, no less.
Last time these two met was in the 2023 NCAA Division III semifinal, with North Central just barely pulling off a 34-27 win. You can bet the Knights have that one circled on their calendar.
Just a week later, September 19 brings the University of Wisconsin–River Falls to Walston-Hoover. They’re the reigning national champs, and it’s the first time these teams have ever played each other.
There’s a certain buzz about facing a team you’ve never seen before, especially when they’re coming off a championship. After that, Wartburg gets a bye week—probably a good thing before conference play heats up.
Conference Play Begins
Wartburg jumps into the A-R-C schedule on October 3, heading to Nebraska Wesleyan University. It’s their first conference test, so there’s a lot riding on it.
The next week, October 10, Buena Vista University visits for Wartburg’s conference home opener. Home games always have a different energy, and this one should draw a good crowd.
Road Challenges
After that, the Knights hit the road for two straight weeks. October 17 takes them to Loras College, and October 24 is at the University of Dubuque.
Back-to-back road games can be tough, no doubt. Wartburg will need to keep their momentum if they want to stay in the hunt.
Home Stretch
October 31 brings Simpson College to Walston-Hoover Stadium. At this point in the season, every game matters just a little more.
The regular season wraps up with a road game at Central College on November 7. Then, finally, the Knights close things out at home against Coe College on November 14.
Key Matchups to Watch
- September 12 vs North Central College: A rematch of the 2023 NCAA Division III semifinal.
- September 19 vs University of Wisconsin–River Falls: First-ever meeting between the two programs.
- October 10 vs Buena Vista University: Conference home opener.
- October 31 vs Simpson College: A crucial late-season home game.
- November 14 vs Coe College: Regular season finale at home.
Conclusion
The 2026 Wartburg football schedule looks packed with exciting matchups. There are some pivotal games lined up that’ll really test the Knights’ grit this season.
You’ve got a good mix of home and away games, plus a few non-conference showdowns that should keep things interesting. Conference battles? Oh, there’ll be plenty of those too.
If you want the latest updates and game times, you might want to follow Wartburg College Knights on Facebook or @WartburgKnights on X. And for those who want all the nitty-gritty details, the official announcement has you covered.
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