You've probably heard the rumors that Northeastern State football was in a permanent tailspin. For years, the talk around Tahlequah was pretty grim. But if you haven't looked at the nsu riverhawks football schedule lately, you’re missing one of the wildest turnarounds in Division II sports.
Honestly, the program was a mess.
Between 2021 and 2023, this team managed exactly four wins. Total. That kind of drought does things to a fan base. People stop showing up to Gable Field at Doc Wadley Stadium. The energy dies. Then Darrin Chiaverini showed up in 2024 and basically said, "Hold my clip-board."
The 2026 Schedule: A New Era of High Stakes
The upcoming 2026 season is where things get really interesting. Because NSU is currently playing as an Independent, they don’t have the "safety net" (or the restriction) of a full MIAA conference slate. This means they are out there hunting for games like a hungry predator.
Here is what the 2026 landscape looks like for the RiverHawks:
- Sept 5: at Missouri S&T (Rolla, MO)
- Sept 19: at Northern Colorado (Greeley, CO) - Wait, a Division I FCS opponent? Yep.
- Sept 26: at Stephen F. Austin (Nacogdoches, TX) - Another D1 jump.
- Oct 3: vs Texas Permian Basin (Tahlequah, OK)
- Oct 10: at West Florida (Pensacola, FL)
- Oct 17: vs William Jewell (Tahlequah, OK)
- Nov 7: at McKendree (Lebanon, IL)
- Nov 14: vs West Alabama (Tahlequah, OK)
The big shocker here is the back-to-back road trips to face Division I FCS schools like Northern Colorado and Stephen F. Austin. Most D2 programs would run for the hills. Coach Chiaverini is doing the opposite. He’s leaning into the "anyone, anywhere" mentality that usually defines programs on the rise.
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Why the Independent Move Actually Worked
Most people thought going Independent in 2024 was a white flag. They were wrong. It was a tactical retreat. By pausing their MIAA football membership, NSU got to rebuild their confidence without getting pounded by the Mid-America powerhouse schools every single Saturday.
In 2025, it paid off in a massive way. The RiverHawks finished 9-3 and capped it off with a First Americans Bowl victory. Think about that. They went from 2-9 in 2024 to 9-3 in 2025. That is a statistical anomaly in college football.
The "Chiaverini Effect" in Tahlequah
You can't talk about the nsu riverhawks football schedule without talking about the guy calling the plays. Darrin Chiaverini isn't your typical D2 coach. The guy was the offensive coordinator at Colorado. He’s recruited some of the biggest names in the Power 5.
He brought a "pro-style" energy to a town that desperately needed it. In 2025, the offense averaged nearly 39 points per game. That’s not just "good for NSU"—that’s elite at any level. Players like Ramon McKinney Jr. and Cam Woods have turned into legitimate highlight reels. McKinney Jr. put up over 1,600 all-purpose yards last season. If you're planning your Saturday around the 2026 schedule, he’s the guy you’re paying to see.
What to Expect on Game Day
If you’re heading to Tahlequah for a home game, the vibe has shifted. It’s not just a football game; it’s a community event again. The Indigenous Peoples’ Game in October has become a massive draw, often featuring free admission for tribal members and some of the best atmosphere in the region.
Keep an eye on the Oct 3 matchup against Texas Permian Basin. UTPB is no joke, and that home game will be a massive litmus test for whether the RiverHawks can sustain their 2025 momentum.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're looking to follow the RiverHawks this year, don't just wait for the local paper to print the scores. Here is how you stay ahead:
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- Sync the Calendar: Head to the official NSU Athletics site and use their "Add to Calendar" feature. Because they are independent, times and dates for late-season games can sometimes shift based on broadcast opportunities.
- Watch the FCS Games: The Sept 19 and Sept 26 games are likely going to be on ESPN+. These are the "money games" that help fund the program, but they also give the RiverHawks a chance to prove they belong on a bigger stage.
- Monitor the MIAA Status: The school is set to reassess their conference status after the 2025-2026 cycle. If they keep winning at this rate, expect them to rejoin the MIAA as a top-tier contender rather than a basement dweller.
The program isn't just surviving anymore. It's actually thriving. Whether you're a student or just a local looking for something to do on a Saturday, this 2026 schedule is the most ambitious one NSU has put together in twenty years.