The 2025 Minnesota Duluth Football Schedule: 11 Must-Watch Games That Define The Bulldogs' NSIC Championship Hopes
The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) Bulldogs football program has officially unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 schedule, setting the stage for a thrilling campaign in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). As of this current date, December 20, 2025, the Bulldogs are poised to make a serious run, entering the season as a co-favorite in the NSIC North Division, a position that immediately elevates the stakes for every snap. The 11-game slate is packed with crucial conference battles, spotlighting the team’s quest to secure a coveted playoff berth and re-establish its dominance in NCAA Division II football.
The 2025 season schedule is designed to test the Bulldogs early and often, featuring five crucial home games at the historic James S. Malosky Stadium. Fans are buzzing about the key matchups, including the season opener at the state-of-the-art TCO Stadium and the annual showdowns that define the NSIC landscape. With a strong foundation laid by the coaching staff and two NSIC Preseason Players to Watch leading the charge, the UMD Bulldogs are ready to deliver a memorable season to the Duluth faithful and college football enthusiasts across the Upper Midwest.
UMD Bulldogs Football: The 2025 Team Profile and Key Entities
The success of the 2025 season for the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs will hinge on a core group of veteran players and the steadfast leadership of one of the most successful coaches in the program's history. Understanding these key entities is essential to appreciating the significance of the upcoming schedule.
- Head Coach: Curt Wiese
- Tenure: Entering his 12th season as Head Coach. Wiese boasts an impressive overall record, cementing his status as a program legend.
- Offensive Coordinator: C. Vogler (Associate Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator)
- Defensive Coordinator: N. Klenke (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach)
- Home Venue: James S. Malosky Stadium (also known as Griggs Field), the premier outdoor athletic venue in Northern Minnesota, which has hosted Bulldog football for over 50 seasons.
- Conference: Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC)
- NSIC Preseason Ranking (2025): Tied for 1st in the NSIC North Division (with Bemidji State) and 4th overall in the NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll.
- Key Offensive Player to Watch: Kyle Walljasper (Redshirt Senior Quarterback). Named an NSIC Offensive Player to Watch for the second consecutive year.
- Key Defensive Player to Watch: Matt Walljasper (Senior Defensive Lineman). Named an NSIC Defensive Player to Watch.
The presence of two star players, the Walljasper brothers, in the preseason watch lists highlights the balanced attack and defense the Bulldogs plan to deploy. Quarterback Kyle Walljasper’s experience will be critical in navigating the tough NSIC schedule, while Matt Walljasper anchors a defense that must be stout against the league’s top rushing attacks.
The Complete 2025 Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs Football Schedule
The 2025 NSIC slate features 11 regular-season games, with five at home in Duluth, Minnesota. The schedule is a full NSIC calendar, emphasizing the divisional battles that will determine the North Division champion. All times are Central Time (CT) and are subject to change, so fans are advised to check the official UMD Athletics website for the latest kick-off times.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Time (CT) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Aug 28 | Opponent TBD (Non-Conference) | Eagan, MN (TCO Stadium) | TBD | Season Opener & NSIC Kickoff Classic |
| Saturday, Sep 6 | Opponent TBD | St. Paul, MN (Sea Foam Stadium) | TBD | Early Non-Division NSIC Test |
| Saturday, Sep 13 | HOME GAME vs. Southwest Minnesota State | Duluth, MN (Malosky Stadium) | TBD | Home Opener & NSIC South Division Matchup |
| Saturday, Sep 20 | at University of Sioux Falls (USF) | Sioux Falls, SD | TBD | Tough Road Test Against a South Division Power |
| Saturday, Sep 27 | HOME GAME vs. MSU Moorhead | Duluth, MN (Malosky Stadium) | TBD | Crucial NSIC North Division Battle |
| Saturday, Oct 4 | at Northern State University | Aberdeen, SD | TBD | North Division Road Challenge |
| Saturday, Oct 11 | HOME GAME vs. Minot State | Duluth, MN (Malosky Stadium) | TBD | North Division Matchup |
| Saturday, Oct 18 | at Wayne State College | Wayne, NE | TBD | NSIC South Division Crossover |
| Saturday, Oct 25 | HOME GAME vs. Winona State University | Duluth, MN (Malosky Stadium) | TBD | Key NSIC South Division Rivalry |
| Saturday, Nov 1 | at Concordia-St. Paul | St. Paul, MN | TBD | Late Season South Division Showdown |
| Saturday, Nov 8 | HOME GAME vs. Bemidji State | Duluth, MN (Malosky Stadium) | TBD | The NSIC North Division Championship Decider! |
Key Matchups and The Road to the NSIC Championship
The 2025 schedule is strategically front-loaded with NSIC South Division opponents and culminates in a series of critical North Division clashes. For the Bulldogs, the path to the NSIC title—and an automatic bid to the NCAA Division II playoffs—is clearly defined by three must-win games.
The North Division Showdown: Bemidji State (November 8)
The final regular-season game against the Bemidji State Beavers is, without question, the most crucial contest of the year. Both teams were selected as dual favorites to win the NSIC North Division in the 2025 Preseason Coaches Poll, which means this late-season battle at Malosky Stadium is highly likely to be a winner-take-all scenario for the division crown. The atmosphere in Duluth for this game is expected to be electric, as the rivalry between the Bulldogs and the Beavers often decides the balance of power in the North. This game will also be a key test for the defensive line, led by Matt Walljasper, against Bemidji State's potent offense.
The South Division Test: University of Sioux Falls (September 20)
The road trip to Sioux Falls, SD, to face the Cougars is an early-season litmus test for UMD’s national aspirations. The NSIC South Division consistently produces top-tier DII programs, and a victory over a strong South Division opponent like the University of Sioux Falls (USF) would provide a massive boost to the Bulldogs' regional and national rankings. This game is a vital opportunity for Kyle Walljasper to showcase his leadership and offensive prowess against a tough, well-coached defense.
The Rivalry Game: Winona State University (October 25)
The rivalry with Winona State University (WSU) is always a highlight on the schedule. This late-October home game is a key NSIC South Division crossover that often carries significant weight in the overall conference standings. The Warriors are consistently competitive, and a win here not only satisfies the rivalry component but also ensures the Bulldogs maintain momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. Fans can expect a physical, high-stakes battle as both teams vie for positioning.
The Home Field Advantage at Malosky Stadium
The five home games at James S. Malosky Stadium are a major advantage for the Bulldogs. Located in Duluth, Minnesota, the stadium is renowned for its enthusiastic crowds and the unique atmosphere created by the Northern Minnesota weather, especially in the late fall. The venue, which includes Griggs Field, has been the backdrop for decades of UMD football history. The energy of the home crowd is a critical factor, particularly in the crucial divisional games against MSU Moorhead, Minot State, and the season-defining clash with Bemidji State. UMD’s ability to defend its home turf will be paramount to its success in the NSIC North Division.
The 2025 Minnesota Duluth football schedule is more than just a list of games; it is a roadmap for a team with high expectations. With the NSIC North Division title within reach and a core of star players ready to perform, the Bulldogs are prepared to make this season one for the record books. Every game, from the opener at TCO Stadium to the final showdown against Bemidji State, is a critical step on the journey toward a potential national championship run.
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