RAPID CITY, S.D. – South Dakota Mines has released the 2026 football schedule, highlighted by five home games, including the 141^st edition of the Black Hills Brawl.

Head coach Charlie Flohr, entering his sixth season in Rapid City, has led South Dakota Mines to winning seasons in three of the last five years.

"I am excited to announce our 2026 schedule," Flohr exclaimed. "We as a program have again continued to go out and play two high caliber non-conference opponents to get us ready for a tough RMAC schedule. We feel this year is no different. Drake is an FCS Division I playoff team and Southwest Baptist consistently is a contender in the GLVC. We are excited about our 2026 schedule."

The Hardrockers will start the 2026 season on Aug. 27 at Drake in Des Moines, Iowa. Drake, a member of the FCS, finished the season 8-4 with their three-straight Pioneer Football League championship. They fell in the first round of the FCS Playoffs to South Dakota.

South Dakota Mines closes out their non-conference slate with Southwest Baptist on Sep. 5 at O'Harra Stadium. After starting the 2025 season 3-2, the Bearcats lost their next five games to finish the season 3-7 and 2-6 in the GLVC.

Following their matchup with SBU, the Hardrockers will play the rest of their season against RMAC opponents. They start the RMAC slate on Sep. 12 with Colorado Mesa at home, followed by Adams State on the road. Homecoming is scheduled for Sept. 26 against New Mexico Highlands to close out September. The Rockers will go to Durango to face Fort Lewis on Oct. 3.

Week five serves as the RMAC bye week in 2026. After their week off, the Hardrockers will take on Black Hills State on Oct. 17 at O'Harra Stadium. This will mark the 141^st all-time matchup with the Yellow Jackets as the Rockers will look to defend the Homestake Trophy after defeating Black Hills State last season.

Three of the remaining four games are on the road for the Hardrockers. They will go to Colorado School of Mines on Oct. 24, followed by a Halloween matchup with Western Colorado. South Dakota Mines' final home game will take place on Nov. 7 against CSU Pueblo. The Rockers will look to win back the Eagle-Rock trophy against Chadron State on Nov. 14 in Chadron.

Ticket information, along with game times, will be announced in the coming weeks.

2026 South Dakota Mines Football Game Dates

Thursday, Aug. 27 – at Drake
Saturday, Sep. 5 – vs. Southwest Baptist
Saturday, Sep. 12 – vs. Colorado Mesa
Saturday, Sep. 19 – at Adams State
Saturday, Sep. 26 – vs. New Mexico Highlands (Homecoming)
Saturday, Oct. 3 – at Fort Lewis
Saturday, Oct. 10 – BYE WEEK
Saturday, Oct. 16 – vs. Black Hills State (141^st Black Hills Brawl | Battle for the Homestake Trophy)
Saturday, Oct. 24 – at Colorado School of Mines
Saturday, Oct. 31 – at Western Colorado
Saturday, Nov. 7 – vs. CSU Pueblo
Saturday, Nov. 14 – at Chadron State

What's Next

Ticket information, game times and the 2026 spring game will be announced in the coming weeks.