University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Friday, August 28
Greeley, Colo.
7 p.m. MDT
University of Northern Colorado
vs
Weber State
Photo by: Lexie Martin
Northern Colorado Set for Historic Home Opener Against Weber State
8/27/2026 12:00:00 PM | Football
GREELEY, Colo. - Northern Colorado opens the 2026 football season Friday night against Weber State at Nottingham Field in a matchup that brings together a historic atmosphere, fresh storylines and two Big Sky programs looking to take an early step forward.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in what will be the first night game in Nottingham Field history. The Bears will also debut black jerseys for the first time in program history, and fans are encouraged to wear black to help create a blackout atmosphere for the home opener.
Friday's game marks the beginning of a new season for a Northern Colorado team that has spent the offseason emphasizing toughness, development and its connection to the state of Colorado. The Bears recently named Dom Butts, Franky Morales, Mathias Price, KJ Smedley and Jack Ziebell as team captains for the 2026 season, giving the program a veteran leadership group with proven production on both sides of the ball.
Price enters the season after one of the top rushing seasons in program history, while Butts, Morales and Smedley return as experienced defensive contributors. Ziebell, a veteran presence up front, helps anchor an offensive line that embodies one of the defining characteristics of this year's team.
Northern Colorado enters the opener with 61 Colorado players on its roster, including an all-Colorado starting offensive line, reinforcing the program's homegrown identity and its ties to Greeley, Weld County and communities across the state. That local foundation has become a central point of pride as the Bears look to give their fan base a team that reflects the region it represents.
Weber State arrives with plenty of intrigue of its own. The Wildcats are beginning the Eric Kjar era, with the former Utah high school coaching standout taking over as head coach and offensive coordinator. Weber State also enters the season with significant roster turnover, including 80 new players and a new starting quarterback in Devin Brown, a fifth-year senior who previously spent time at Ohio State and Cal.
Like Northern Colorado, Weber State finished 4-8 overall and 2-6 in Big Sky play last season, making Friday's opener an important early conference opportunity for both teams. The game also represents Weber State's first season opener against a Big Sky opponent in 30 years.
Historically, the Wildcats have had the edge in the series, holding an 11-2 all-time lead and a 5-0 record in Greeley. Northern Colorado, however, won the most recent meeting, knocking off Weber State 21-17 in Ogden in 2024, giving the Bears recent proof they can compete in the matchup.
The game-day atmosphere will begin long before kickoff as UNC Athletics hosts Nottingham at Night, with tailgating starting at 2 p.m. The afternoon and evening will feature live music, local vendors, food, giveaways and family-friendly activities as part of a community-centered buildup to the opener.
Live entertainment will be provided by The Honey Roses, a regional band known for energetic performances and a wide-ranging set list. Northern Colorado Athletics is also partnering with Downtown Greeley to bring Friday Fest to Nottingham at Night, combining one of the community's signature summer traditions with the excitement of Bears football. The collaboration will bring local businesses and vendors into the event and reflects a shared effort to create a memorable home-opening experience.
Fans can also take part in a cowbell giveaway for the first 1,000 attendees, helping build the kind of loud home-field atmosphere the Bears hope will define the night.
Those attending should plan ahead for an important entry update at Nottingham Field. Northern Colorado Athletics is introducing walk-through metal detectors at the stadium for the first time. The system is designed to allow fans to move through security without removing phones, keys or other personal items from their pockets or clear bags unless additional screening is required. UNC's clear bag policy remains in effect, and with a large crowd expected, fans are encouraged to arrive early to ensure a smooth entrance.
With veteran leadership, a strong Colorado core, a historic setting and a conference matchup that opens the season with immediate importance, Northern Colorado will begin the year Friday night in one of the most distinctive atmospheres the program has ever staged.
Tickets can be purchased through the UNC ticket office online at UNCBears.com/Tickets, by calling 970-351-4849, or in person at the UNC ticket office during normal business hours.
Quarterback Club
The Quarterback Club plays a vital role in supporting the UNC Football program. By giving to the Quarterback Club, you help enhance the student-athlete experience, providing resources for team development, and ensuring the success of the Bears on and off the field. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in the future of the program.
FOLLOW THE BEARS:
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at UNCBears.com. Follow the football team on Instagram, X and Facebook.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in what will be the first night game in Nottingham Field history. The Bears will also debut black jerseys for the first time in program history, and fans are encouraged to wear black to help create a blackout atmosphere for the home opener.
Friday's game marks the beginning of a new season for a Northern Colorado team that has spent the offseason emphasizing toughness, development and its connection to the state of Colorado. The Bears recently named Dom Butts, Franky Morales, Mathias Price, KJ Smedley and Jack Ziebell as team captains for the 2026 season, giving the program a veteran leadership group with proven production on both sides of the ball.
Price enters the season after one of the top rushing seasons in program history, while Butts, Morales and Smedley return as experienced defensive contributors. Ziebell, a veteran presence up front, helps anchor an offensive line that embodies one of the defining characteristics of this year's team.
Northern Colorado enters the opener with 61 Colorado players on its roster, including an all-Colorado starting offensive line, reinforcing the program's homegrown identity and its ties to Greeley, Weld County and communities across the state. That local foundation has become a central point of pride as the Bears look to give their fan base a team that reflects the region it represents.
Weber State arrives with plenty of intrigue of its own. The Wildcats are beginning the Eric Kjar era, with the former Utah high school coaching standout taking over as head coach and offensive coordinator. Weber State also enters the season with significant roster turnover, including 80 new players and a new starting quarterback in Devin Brown, a fifth-year senior who previously spent time at Ohio State and Cal.
Like Northern Colorado, Weber State finished 4-8 overall and 2-6 in Big Sky play last season, making Friday's opener an important early conference opportunity for both teams. The game also represents Weber State's first season opener against a Big Sky opponent in 30 years.
Historically, the Wildcats have had the edge in the series, holding an 11-2 all-time lead and a 5-0 record in Greeley. Northern Colorado, however, won the most recent meeting, knocking off Weber State 21-17 in Ogden in 2024, giving the Bears recent proof they can compete in the matchup.
The game-day atmosphere will begin long before kickoff as UNC Athletics hosts Nottingham at Night, with tailgating starting at 2 p.m. The afternoon and evening will feature live music, local vendors, food, giveaways and family-friendly activities as part of a community-centered buildup to the opener.
Live entertainment will be provided by The Honey Roses, a regional band known for energetic performances and a wide-ranging set list. Northern Colorado Athletics is also partnering with Downtown Greeley to bring Friday Fest to Nottingham at Night, combining one of the community's signature summer traditions with the excitement of Bears football. The collaboration will bring local businesses and vendors into the event and reflects a shared effort to create a memorable home-opening experience.
Fans can also take part in a cowbell giveaway for the first 1,000 attendees, helping build the kind of loud home-field atmosphere the Bears hope will define the night.
Those attending should plan ahead for an important entry update at Nottingham Field. Northern Colorado Athletics is introducing walk-through metal detectors at the stadium for the first time. The system is designed to allow fans to move through security without removing phones, keys or other personal items from their pockets or clear bags unless additional screening is required. UNC's clear bag policy remains in effect, and with a large crowd expected, fans are encouraged to arrive early to ensure a smooth entrance.
With veteran leadership, a strong Colorado core, a historic setting and a conference matchup that opens the season with immediate importance, Northern Colorado will begin the year Friday night in one of the most distinctive atmospheres the program has ever staged.
Tickets can be purchased through the UNC ticket office online at UNCBears.com/Tickets, by calling 970-351-4849, or in person at the UNC ticket office during normal business hours.
Quarterback Club
The Quarterback Club plays a vital role in supporting the UNC Football program. By giving to the Quarterback Club, you help enhance the student-athlete experience, providing resources for team development, and ensuring the success of the Bears on and off the field. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in the future of the program.
FOLLOW THE BEARS:
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at UNCBears.com. Follow the football team on Instagram, X and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
Tuesday, December 23
Tuesday, December 23
Tuesday, December 23
Tuesday, December 23
