Northwestern University has just unveiled the kickoff times and television partners for several of its 2026 football contests, giving supporters a concrete schedule as the new season approaches.
The season opener is set for September 5, when the Wildcats travel to face South Dakota State in a 7 p.m. Central Time contest that will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
What follows is a stretch of four consecutive night games, beginning with a home clash against Colorado on September 19 at 6:30 p.m. CT, also available on FOX or its sister cable channel FS1.
A marquee matchup arrives on September 25 against Indiana, the defending national champion, at 7 p.m. CT on FOX, adding a layer of excitement to the early schedule.
Centennial celebration at the new Ryan Field
The first game at the newly renovated Ryan Field will be against Penn State on October 2, kicking off at 7 p.m. CT on FOX; the contest also commemorates the 100‑year anniversary of the original stadium’s inaugural football game.
Homecoming will be celebrated on October 10 when Ball State visits Evanston, with the game scheduled for a no‑later‑than‑4 p.m. CT start.
The regular season concludes with a road test at Oregon’s Autzen Stadium on October 31, where the kickoff is set for no later than 7 p.m. CT (5 p.m. Pacific).
With a blend of historic milestones, high‑profile opponents and a packed night‑game slate, the 2026 schedule promises a compelling campaign for the Wildcats and their fans.