BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – WKU Football has continued its trend of scheduling attractive non-conference games by adding Big Ten foe Michigan State and Southeastern Conference opponent Alabama to future schedules, the program announced on Thursday.
WKU will travel to East Lansing for the first time in program history on Oct. 2, 2021 to take on the Spartans and returns to Tuscaloosa for what will be the third meeting since 2012 when the Hilltoppers and Crimson Tide face off on Sept. 16, 2023. WKU also traveled to Tuscaloosa in 2008 and 2016.
"We always want to measure ourselves against the best, and certainly road games in Big Ten and SEC environments are formidable challenges," Director of Athletics Todd Stewart said. "Both of these games are exciting matchups against excellent programs but also provide excellent opportunities for our program, players and coaches. Additionally, each are close enough for our fans to be able to travel and attend the games in person and support our football team on the road which is a key component of our scheduling philosophy."
With the addition of Michigan State, the Hilltoppers will face at least two programs from Power 5 leagues in at least eight consecutive years dating back to 2015. Since moving to the FBS level in 2009 and including games scheduled through 2021, the Hilltoppers have faced or will face a pair of Power 5 programs in 11 seasons.
In the year WKU plays at Michigan State, the Hilltoppers will also host their third Power 5 game when Indiana comes to Houchens-Smith Stadium for the second time (2010). WKU hosted Vanderbilt during the 2016 season.
WKU begins year two under head coach Mike Sanford on Aug. 31, on the road under the Friday night lights of Camp Randall Stadium, when the Hilltoppers take on Big Ten opponent Wisconsin.
2021 Non-Conference Schedule
- Sept. 11 – at Army
- Sept. 25 – Indiana
- Oct. 2 – at Michigan State
2023 Non-Conference Schedule
- Sept. 2 – South Florida
- Sept. 16 – at Alabama
