University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Bears Set for 2026 Big Sky Slate Amid Conference Realignment
10/28/2025 3:02:00 PM | Football
GREELEY, Colo. – The Big Sky Conference unveiled its full 2026 football schedule on Tuesday, marking the beginning of a new era for the league highlighted by the return of Southern Utah, the addition of Utah Tech, and the departure of Sacramento State. The conference realignment brings familiar faces and fresh rivalries for Northern Colorado as it enters its 20th season as a Big Sky member.
The Bears' 2026 Big Sky slate features five home games and four road contests, beginning at Nottingham Field on Aug. 29 against Weber State. UNC will also host Utah Tech (Sept. 26), Cal Poly (Oct. 17), and Montana State (Nov. 14). On the road, the Bears will travel to Montana (Oct. 3), Eastern Washington (Oct. 10), UC Davis (Oct. 24), Southern Utah (Nov. 7), and Northern Arizona (Nov. 21). Northern Colorado's open week comes on Oct. 31.
The 2026 season will see Southern Utah return to the Big Sky after previously competing in the league from 2012-22. During that decade, the Thunderbirds captured nine conference championships across multiple sports. Beginning in 2026-27, 14 Southern Utah programs will compete for Big Sky titles, including football, basketball, cross country, golf, track & field, women's soccer, softball, and volleyball.
The reunion also carries personal significance for Northern Colorado head coach Ed Lamb, who spent eight seasons (2008-15) as Southern Utah's head coach. Lamb led the Thunderbirds to the only two FCS Playoff appearances in program history, achieving eight-win seasons in 2013 and 2015 and establishing Southern Utah as a consistent Big Sky contender during his tenure.
Joining the league alongside the Thunderbirds is Utah Tech, based in St. George, one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States. The Trailblazers completed their full transition to NCAA Division I in 2023 and officially join the Big Sky in 2026. Beginning in 2026-27, 13 Utah Tech programs will compete for Big Sky championships, including football, basketball, cross country, golf, track & field, women's soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball.
Meanwhile, Sacramento State, which joined the Big Sky in 2000, will depart the conference following the 2025-26 academic year. The Hornets leave after nearly three decades of competition and multiple championship seasons.
With the addition of Southern Utah and Utah Tech, and the departure of Sacramento State, the 2026 season promises renewed rivalries and exciting matchups across one of the nation's premier FCS conferences.
2026 Northern Colorado Big Sky Schedule
Aug. 29 – Weber State
Sept. 26 – Utah Tech
Oct. 3 – at Montana
Oct. 10 – at Eastern Washington
Oct. 17 – Cal Poly
Oct. 24 – at UC Davis
Oct. 31 – Open
Nov. 7 – at Southern Utah
Nov. 14 – Montana State
Nov. 21 – at Northern Arizona
Dates and opponents for Northern Colorado's nonconference schedule will be announced at a later date.
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