Season Opener Upset
The Bulldogs opened the 2026 campaign with a 38‑35 loss to South Dakota Mines, a result that left the crowd at Drake Stadium stunned.
First‑year head coach Matt Walker watched his team stumble early, as the opposition’s ground game set the tone, but the offense found rhythm with a blocked punt and a series of big‑play passes.
Record‑Breaking Performance
Quarterback Riley Warzynski turned the tide, etching his name into Drake lore with 535 passing yards, eclipsing the previous program record of 455.
His connection with Willis Nofsinger produced an 80‑yard strike, while Hank Foley’s 73‑yard run after a tackle‑break forced a tie in the fourth quarter. Karson Kindred’s punt block and recovery added a defensive spark that briefly put the Bulldogs ahead.
Despite being outrushed 221‑24, the aerial attack dominated, and the defense, anchored by J.R. Flood’s career‑high 18 tackles, kept the game within reach. The loss now shifts focus to a road test at second‑ranked Montana on September 5, where the Bulldogs hope to translate their resilience into a win.