Home opener game is big-news event as BW football made a huge statement early and rode that momentum to an a 84-26 win.
On Sept. 12, Yellow Jackets football kicked off the 2026 season facing Bethany College Bison (Bethany, W.V.), where impressive defensive and offensive plays put BW at 1-0 to start the season.
The game also made its mark in the BW record book. BW's 648 total yards of offense tied for the second-most in the modern era. It matched the 648 yards recorded against Wilmington University on Sept. 13, 2025, and slightly trailed the 670 yards recorded against Capital University on Oct. 28, 2023.
BW's 84 points scored also marked the second-most points in a single game in program history, trailing only the 118 points scored against Kent State in 1923.
The commanding win segues with an August OAC (Ohio Athletic Conference) announcement of the 2026 football preseason coaches' poll that placed the Yellow Jackets second in the annual poll.
The Yellow Jackets will be back in action on Saturday, September 19, at home for the 48th Lee Tressel Shrine Classic against Alma College. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
The BW community is encouraged to attend home games in support of the team. The festive gathering unites tailgaters, families, alumni, students, faculty and staff in a rousing showcase of school spirit that melds Brown & Gold gear with "Aww Jackets!" cheers and YJ4L pride. Visit the BW Athletics site for a schedule of football games.
On Saturday, Oct. 10, the BW community is invited to attend this year’s Bold & Gold Homecoming Festival, a fun-filled day of BW spirit, traditions and community for guests of all ages. Among fan favorites is the Bold & Gold Homecoming Parade, which will be led by this year's grand marshals, the BW Baseball Team, and feature campus groups, the BW Cheer Team and the Marching Yellow Jackets.
Cheer on Yellow Jackets football at 2:00 p.m. as they take on the Ohio Northern Polar Bears at the George Finnie Stadium. There's something for everyone at Bold & Gold. Reserve your spot today.
August interview with BW head coach Jim Hilvert and quarterback Charlie Bubonics.
