UP Gazette

The Northern Michigan University football team has released its schedule for the 2025 season. The Wildcats will play a total of 11 games, including six at home and five away. Head Coach Shane Richardson highlighted the competitive spirit and uniqueness of this year's schedule, mentioning that four of the road games will take place in-state, providing a strategic advantage.

The Wildcats are set to face some new non-conference opponents and will compete twice against Davenport, a team noted for its competitiveness. "There's value to playing a team both home and away as it will give us an opportunity to see how we grow and improve throughout the season," Richardson noted. The team will also face a higher-level opponent, St. Thomas, from the Division I FCS, which is seen as an exciting challenge.

The season opener will be held at the Superior Dome against Minnesota State-Moorhead on August 28 at 6 p.m. The following week, NMU will travel to Northwood for another non-conference game on September 6. The matchup against St. Thomas is scheduled for September 13 at 1 p.m. at home.

NMU's homecoming game is set for September 20 at 1 p.m. against Davenport. Following a bye week, NMU will begin its GLIAC play on October 4 against Saginaw Valley State. Their first home conference game will take place on October 11 against Grand Valley State at 7 p.m. On October 18, they will visit Roosevelt for their only out-of-state game.

The Miner's Cup battle against Michigan Tech is scheduled for October 25 at noon in Marquette. The Wildcats will then travel to Ferris State on November 1 to face the defending national champions. On November 8, the team will play Davenport again in their final away game.

The regular season will conclude with a home game against Wayne State on November 15 at 1 p.m., which will also serve as Senior Day for the team. Coach Richardson stated, "We play in the best Division II conference in the country and it will be a great challenge to compete against all of these teams."