Saturday, September 5, 2026. Kickoff 8 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network.
Northwestern opens the rebuilt Ryan Field against South Dakota State, which is not a typical FCS opener. The Jackrabbits are a two time FCS national champion and one of the few teams at that level with a real chance to beat a Big Ten program on the road.
| Kickoff | 8 p.m. ET · 7 p.m. CT · 6 p.m. MT · 5 p.m. PT |
| TV | Big Ten Network |
| Streaming | FOX One, Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream |
| Venue | Ryan Field, Evanston, Illinois (first game in the rebuilt stadium) |
| Line | Northwestern favored, but by less than a typical FBS vs. FCS number. Check your book. |
Prediction and Odds
Northwestern gets the new stadium, the crowd and the Power Four depth. South Dakota State gets the better recent track record: the Jackrabbits have won FCS titles, routinely send players to the NFL, and have a habit of making September trips uncomfortable for FBS hosts. This is the FCS upset alert of the night.
Our pick: Northwestern 27, South Dakota State 20. Northwestern wins, but SDSU covers anything above a touchdown.
Why This One Matters
It is the first game at the rebuilt Ryan Field after two seasons playing on the lakefront, and the Wildcats need a clean start with a Big Ten schedule that includes Iowa on November 7 and Minnesota on November 21 at home.
How to Watch Without Cable
Big Ten Network is on FOX One, Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling Blue and DirecTV Stream. See our streaming guide.
The Bottom Line
South Dakota State at Northwestern kicks off at 8 p.m. ET Saturday, September 5 on Big Ten Network. Northwestern is our pick in a game closer than the matchup suggests. Follow it on our live scoreboard.