Preseason Expectations
The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks entered the 2026 season with a clear mandate: translate preseason optimism into playoff contention. The team sits fourth in the Coaches Poll and fifth in the Media Poll, a positioning that reflects both respect and the challenge of living up to heightened expectations.
At the heart of the roster is quarterback Ty Pennington, who earned a spot on the Walter Payton Watch List after a breakout year. His development will be crucial as the Lumberjacks navigate a revamped Big Sky Conference, where traditional powerhouses loom.
A New Era Under Coach Wright
Head coach Brian Wright has guided the program to back‑to‑back winning seasons for the first time in a decade. A 7‑5 overall record and a 4‑4 conference slate in 2025 illustrate steady progress, while the combined 15 wins over the past two years represent the program’s most successes since the 2013‑14 campaign.
Montana State, Montana and UC Davis each captured a berth in last year’s FCS Playoffs, underscoring the conference’s depth. NAU’s ascent comes as the Big Sky welcomes new members, reshaping rivalries and travel schedules.
Key Matchup Against the Defending Champion
A marquee test arrives on September 26, when NAU travels to Bozeman, Montana, to face defending national champion Montana State on ESPN2. The nationally televised showdown pits the Lumberjacks against a near‑unanimous favorite and offers an early gauge of the team’s playoff credentials.
The season opens on August 29 at home, with a matchup against Eastern Washington at Findlay Toyota Field inside the Walkup Skydome. The early‑season kickoff promises a lively atmosphere as fans rally behind a squad poised for a deep playoff run.