A Historic Rivalry Revived
The University of North Dakota announced that it will welcome Valparaiso to Grand Forks on September 4, 2027, for a football contest at the Alerus Center. The game marks the fourth meeting between the two programs and continues a series that began in 1920.
North Dakota holds a 2‑1 edge in the all‑time series, highlighted by a 58‑7 victory in 2025 that capped a season in which the Fighting Hawks finished 8‑6 overall. Valparaiso, a member of the Pioneer Football League, entered the 2025 campaign with a 2‑10 record.
The matchup is part of a broader non‑conference slate that the Fighting Hawks have now completed for the 2027 season. In addition to Valparaiso, the schedule includes road games at LIU on August 28, a home contest against Idaho on September 11 and a trip to Iowa on September 18.
Both schools will also be involved in other non‑conference contests the following year. Valparaiso is slated to host Lawrence Tech to open its 2026 season on August 29, while North Dakota will begin its 2026 campaign at home against LIU on August 27, a game that will stream on ESPN+.
Conference affiliation adds another layer of context. North Dakota competes in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, while Valparaiso participates in the scholarship‑free Pioneer Football League. The scheduling agreement reflects a growing trend of cross‑conference matchups that give teams additional flexibility in building competitive calendars.