DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake University football team released its 2023 schedule, head coach Todd Stepsis announced on Thursday (Feb. 16). The slate features 11 games including five home contests.

The Bulldogs begin the 2023 season with a test at Missouri Valley Football Conference foe North Dakota on Saturday (Sept. 2). The Fighting Hawks are coming off a 7-5 season and FCS playoff appearance.

Drake welcomes reigning NAIA national champion Northwestern (Iowa) in the home opener at Drake Stadium on Sept. 9 before going to Target Field to Minneapolis to play the defending FCS national champion South Dakota State on Sept. 16 in a unique contest.
 
After a bye week, the Bulldogs open the Pioneer Football League season at Morehead State Sept. 30. PFL road games on the 2022 slate also include San Diego (Oct. 21), Marist (Nov. 4) and Butler in the regular season finale on Nov. 18.
 
Drake welcomes Valparaiso to Drake Stadium in its PFL home opener on Oct. 7. Other home games scheduled include St. Thomas (Oct. 14), Stetson (Oct. 28) and Presbyterian (Nov. 11).

The 2023 Drake Football schedule is below. Kickoff times to be announced at a later date.

Sept. 2 | at North Dakota
Sept. 9 | vs. Northwestern (Iowa)
Sept. 16 | at South Dakota State#
Sept. 30 | at Morehead State *
Oct. 7 | vs. Valparaiso*
Oct. 14 | St. Thomas *
Oct. 21 | at San Diego*
Oct. 28 | vs. Stetson*
Nov. 4 | at Marist*
Nov. 11 | vs. Presbyterian*
Nov. 18 | at Butler*
 
*PFL Game
#Game played at Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins