I wasn’t exactly thrilled when the Bisons decided to make the FBS jump, but I have warmed up to the idea of visiting the Fargodome. Jax State went 9-5 in 2025 and was 7-1 in C-USA while NDSU has been a perennial FCS power, so this might be a good game. If not, I am sure a visit to the famous “wood chipper” will make the trip completely worthwhile.
There’s no doubt that Huskie Stadium is the marquee location on the schedule. It has a reputation as one of the most picturesque stadiums in the FBS. Here’s hoping the scenery matches the hype. The fact that this is their rivalry game with WSU only adds to the allure of this visit. Apple Cup here we come.
Okay, I know what you are thinking. Who is Mercyhurst and what are they doing on a FBS stadium list? Well, the ‘Hurst is my alma mater in Erie, Pennsylvania. Way back in the day, I rode the pine for the Lakers as a small, slow cornerback and that was when they were Division III. With multiple jumps up the athletic ladder, Mercyhurst University (it was a College when I was there) is now in the FCS. And with that, they get the honor of being a cupcake to a traditional FBS cupcake, the University of New Mexico. Needless to say, I am thrilled to be representing the Hurst while getting stadium number 131.
The second Mercyhurst game is a Homecoming celebration in the 100th year of the university. As a former BMOC and distinguished (!?!) alumni, I was invited to join Club 1926. The seemingly only reward of this membership is to be put at the top of the alumni donor phonathon list. My wife and fellow alum rolled her eyes at that invite, noting that her 3.96 GPA bettered my 3.89 GPA. Plus, she wouldn’t want to be a member of any club that would admit me. In any case, we will make it an FCS bonus, watching the Hurst slap around the Glenville State Pioneers.
In recent years, I have been able to snag tickets to Hokie weeknight games at a considerable discount. That trend may be coming to an end with the beginning of the Franklin era at Virginia Tech. Factor in that the drive from Pittsburgh to Blacksburg is manageable (if not easy with I-81 traffic), the tickets for this game may end up being at a premium. No worries, a night game at Lane Stadium is worth it at almost any price.
The Syracuse – Virginia tilt is basically a re-do. I went to a UVA game when the kids were just starting to look at potential schools. We didn’t tailgate. And, their matchup with FCS neighbor Richmond could hardly be characterized as “big time”. This ACC game with the Orangemen should be much better and hopefully result in an improved review.
Another international game for the Steelers was not on our list for 2026. However, when the NFL dropped their foreign game schedule and Pittsburgh vs Saints in Paris was on the list, it was “Laissez les bons temps rouler.” The biggest challenge for the City of Lights will be to see if it can top our fantastic experience in Dublin last year.
Sunny San Diego State is our next stop where the will see the Aztecs host the Cougars of WSU. With a new version of the PAC 12 err 8, we get our second game the season with WSU. And, as Utah State is now in the conference, ticking off SDSU will still not close out the conference for us. A Halloween date, we hope this game is all treats and no tricks.
The season wraps up with a Nine O’clock Club trip to Jacksonville, AL. The total number of club members in attendance is hard to calculate, primarily because at least a couple will probably book their flight to Jacksonville, Fl. What I can be sure is that the Marching Southeners (insert name joke here) will put on a helluva halftime show. This will be the third consecutive year I will see the Gamecocks play and the fourth time overall, finally at home in the comfy confines of Am-First Stadium.
Jax State three years in a row. If you think getting to all these stadiums is easy, let that sink in.
The Disclaimer
That’s the list for 2026. It is, of course, subject to change. In fact, I’d be surprised if it didn’t. However, for now, that is the schedule and I like it. We may still be a couple of months away, but…
LET’S GO!
