Dakota Wesleyan Opens 2026 Season at Rival Dakota State, Seeks First Road Win Since 2015

MITCHELL, Iowa — The Dakota Wesleyan University football team kicks off its 2026 season Saturday night against a ranked in-state rival, traveling to Madison to face Dakota State University. The Tigers are looking to build on last year's 16-14 home win over the Trojans and secure their first road victory in the series since 2015.

DWU enters the game with momentum from a strong 2025 defensive performance and an improved passing attack. Head coach Alex Kretzschmar, entering his third season, hopes to spoil the Trojans' opener and reverse a recent trend that has seen the home team win four straight in the rivalry.

Game Details and Key Matchup

When: 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Kern Family Stadium, Madison
Records: DWU 4-7 (3-7 GPAC) in 2025; DSU 8-2 (5-1 Frontier) in 2025
Coaches: DWU's Alex Kretzschmar (8-14, third season); DSU's Josh Anderson (72-102, 18th season)

Saturday marks the 80th all-time meeting between the two schools, with Dakota Wesleyan holding a 41-37-1 series lead. The Tigers won last year's matchup 16-14 in Mitchell, but the Trojans have dominated recent season openers, winning 9 of the last 11 August meetings.

About the Tigers: Defense and Passing Game Lead the Way

DWU's 2025 season ended with a 24-7 loss to Hastings, but the Tigers showed promise in their passing game, averaging 221 yards per game through the air, their best since 2020. The team returns two all-GPAC selections: offensive lineman Gavin Pischke and defensive lineman Cody Winslow, both second-team honorees.

One area of concern is turnovers. The Tigers finished 2025 with a minus-11 turnover margin, a statistic Kretzschmar has emphasized in the offseason. DWU has won its last two road games, including victories at Doane and Mount Marty.

DWU is seeking its first win over a ranked opponent since 2017, when they upset No. 24 Midland. The Tigers were picked to finish ninth in the GPAC preseason poll.

About the Trojans: Ranked for the First Time Since 2018

Dakota State enters the game ranked No. 25 nationally, their first preseason ranking since 2018. The Trojans were picked second in the Frontier Conference East Division and return several key players, including senior quarterback Tray Hettick, who threw for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.

Local connections abound for Iowa fans. Emery native Brandon Kjetland starts at left tackle, and Freeman Academy product Maddox Kihne is a starting wide receiver after hauling in 31 catches for 481 yards and five touchdowns in 2025.

Chamber of Commerce Trophy at Stake

The two teams have played for the Chamber of Commerce trophy since 2016, with the Trojans leading that series 6-2. The home team has won the last four games overall, with DSU's last road win coming in 2021 in Mitchell.

“This is a big rivalry game for both programs,” said Kretzschmar. “Our guys are excited to go on the road and compete against a ranked opponent. We've worked hard on limiting turnovers and building on our passing game.”

What's Next for Both Teams

Dakota Wesleyan opens GPAC play at home against Doane on Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. Dakota State travels to Black Hills State on the same day at 2 p.m.

GPAC Scoreboard

Thursday, Aug. 27
Midland 31, Dickinson State 0
Western Illinois 65, Northwestern 14

Friday, Aug. 28
Dordt at Indiana Wesleyan, 5 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 29
Clarke (Iowa) at Mount Marty, 1 p.m.
Benedictine (Kan.) at Morningside, 6 p.m.
Mayville State (N.D.) at Briar Cliff, 6 p.m.
Waldorf at Concordia (Neb.), 7 p.m.
Texas College at Doane, canceled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Dakota Wesleyan play Dakota State?

The game kicks off at 7 p.m. Saturday at Kern Family Stadium in Madison.

Who is the starting quarterback for Dakota State?

Senior Tray Hettick returns under center after throwing for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2025.

Has Dakota Wesleyan beaten a ranked team recently?

The Tigers last defeated a ranked opponent in 2017, when they beat No. 24 Midland.