Bemidji State University Football hosts (RV) Michigan Technological University Thursday at 6 p.m. at Chet Anderson Stadium to kick off the 2026 season. To help celebrate the season opener, the Beavers have partnered with Shriners Children’s to start the season with the annual Shrine Bowl.

Bemidji State kicks off the season Thursday, looking to break the tie set last year in Houghton, Mich. The Beavers and Huskies are 1-1 in the current series, MTU leading 22-11 in the all-time series, after the Beavers took an overtime win in 2024 followed by a Husky win last fall.

Last season, the Beavers went 4-7 overall after a tough opening run, going 0-5, before a Homecoming win over Northern State University broke the streak.

BSU averaged 24.73 points per game in 2025, allowing 33.00, and marked an average of 358.6 yards of total offense each competition. They totaled 37 touchdowns with 20 on the ground and 17 through the air.

Returning this season, quarterback Connor Carver led the Beaver offense on the ground, averaging 80.56 yards per game with eight touchdowns scored. Carver ended the season with a total of 725 rushing yards in nine games and was selected to the All-NSIC North Second Team as a running back.

Bart McAninch also returns to the Beaver quarterbacks’ room for his sophomore year. McAninch led the team in passing with a 146.86 passer rating, 105 completions on 156 attempts and 11 touchdown passes. He averaged 134.67 passing yards per game.

On defense, defensive back Caden Bolte returns for his final season after leading the program in solo and total tackles in 2025. He tallied 47 solo tackles, 18 assisted and 65 total. Bolte added an interception and eight pass breakups with a hurry, forced fumble and fumble recovery. He also marked a safety against Wayne State in the Beavers’ 26-21 win.

Next week, the Beavers kick off the 2026 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference schedule with Southwest Minnesota State University at 3 p.m. Sep. 5. The Beaver senior class will be recognized prior to the game.