The Big Ten Conference has confirmed kickoff times for five University of Minnesota football games for the 2026 season. The Gophers will open their season at home against Eastern Illinois on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 7:00 p.m. The home schedule includes matchups against Mississippi State and Akron, while the Iowa Homecoming game will be scheduled for late afternoon or evening. Additionally, Minnesota's road clash against Wisconsin will take place on Friday, Nov. 27 at 6:30 p.m.

By the Numbers
  • Minnesota's season opener against Eastern Illinois is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Sept. 3.
  • The Gophers will face Mississippi State at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 12, marking their first meeting.
  • The game against Akron is set for 11:00 a.m. on Sept. 19.
  • The Iowa Homecoming game will start between 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. on Oct. 24.
  • The game against Wisconsin is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27.
Yes, But

The move to a Friday game against Wisconsin could affect attendance, as Friday night games are less traditional in college football, potentially leading to scheduling conflicts for fans and students.

State of Play
  • Five games have confirmed kickoff times; other game times will be released later.
  • This season marks the 143rd year of Minnesota football.
  • The Gophers will promote their games heavily through the Gopher Radio Network.
What's Next

As the season approaches, Minnesota will finalize scheduling details for their seven remaining games, which could influence strategies and fan engagement efforts.

Bottom Line

Minnesota's football schedule highlights key matchups, particularly the historic meeting with Mississippi State and the strategic timing of the Iowa Homecoming game, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.