Hope College has unveiled its 2026 football schedule, a 14‑game slate that builds on the program’s recent surge in competitiveness. After back‑to‑back playoff appearances last season, the team returns a core group of starters, giving Coach Peter Stuursma a deep pool of talent to work with as he looks to sustain momentum.
Coach Stuursma’s vision
Stuursma emphasized that the early portion of the schedule is designed to sharpen the team against strong opponents, setting the tone for conference play. He noted that the mix of road trips and home games will test the squad’s resilience and depth.
The season opens with a road test at Denison University on September 5, followed by a home matchup against Wisconsin‑Stevens Point on September 12. The Dutchmen then travel to Hanover College on September 19 before hosting Albion on September 26.
October brings a series of road games at Olivet on October 3, a bye week on October 10, and then contests with Adrian on October 17 and at Alma on October 24. The latter stretch includes a home game against Kalamazoo on October 31, a trip to Calvin on November 7, and a final regular‑season clash at Trine on November 14.
With the schedule now set, the team is focused on translating early-season challenges into continued success, aiming to extend the program’s playoff streak and contend for a conference title.