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WKU vs Nevada football game
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Nevada hosts Western Kentucky on Sept 5, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. PT. The Hilltoppers are slight favorites, aiming for a sixth straight bowl berth.
Background
This is the season opener for both teams, a non-conference matchup. Nevada is looking for its first bowl berth since 2001, while Western Kentucky seeks its sixth consecutive postseason appearance. The game is a rematch of last year's contest, which Western Kentucky won 31-16.
How it unfolded
- Sep 20, 2025Western Kentucky defeated Nevada 31-16 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in their first all-time meeting.
- Sep 1, 2026WKU announced game details for the season opener at Nevada, scheduled for Sept. 5 at 9:30 p.m. CT.
- Sep 5, 2026Game day: Nevada hosts Western Kentucky at Mackay Stadium in Reno, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. PT. Western Kentucky is favored by 1-2.5 points depending on the sportsbook.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Western Kentucky is favored, with one model predicting a 56.2% win probability for the Hilltoppers.
- Caution
- Nevada may have momentum after winning two of their last three games in 2025, but they are still seeking their first opening win since 2022.