The University of Northern Iowa Panthers will kick off the 2026 football season on September 5, taking the field at Roos Field in Cheney, Washington, for a highly anticipated opener against the Eastern Washington Eagles.
Game Details
Set for a 6 p.m. Central time start, the matchup represents the Panthers’ first opportunity to break a 0‑2 all‑time record in Washington and marks their third encounter with the Eagles in program history.
Last season the Panthers edged the Eagles 17‑14 in a thrilling three‑point contest, a victory that highlighted quarterback Jaxon Dailey’s poise under pressure and set the stage for a renewed rivalry.
Dailey returns as the starter, having posted the highest completion rate, passing yards, and touchdowns among UNI signal‑callers in 2025, while the receiving corps welcomes back Jaiden Ellis‑Lahey, Tay Norman and JC Roque Jr., and adds fresh talent in Cyrus Courtney and Taj Hughes.
The Panthers’ roster comprises 113 student‑athletes, with 70 hailing from Iowa, and five alumni currently competing professionally in the NFL and CFL, underscoring the program’s depth and pipeline to the next level.
Eastern Washington, coming off a season‑opening loss at Northern Arizona, brings a formidable home presence, boasting a 34‑14 record at home since head coach Aaron Best took the reins in 2017.
The significance of this game is amplified by its placement after UNI’s most recent playoff appearance, which ended in a defeat to the same Eastern Washington squad, adding extra motivation for the Panthers to finally claim a win on Washington turf.
With the season still young, the outcome of this early test will shape the Panthers’ trajectory and provide a gauge for Coach Best’s squad as they aim to leverage their strong home record against a determined Mid‑American opponent.