July 15th, 2026 1:00pm
By Chuck Bitner, D2Football.com
Over the next several weeks leading up to the start of the 2026 season, we’ll spotlight some of the most notable non-conference matchups on the early-season schedule. In the first installment of this series, we examined the Week Zero showdown between Lenoir-Rhyne (SAC) and Virginia Union (CIAA). This time, we head west as Central Missouri (MIAA) travels to face CSU Pueblo (RMAC).
The Mules and ThunderWolves will meet for the second consecutive season and only the second time since CSU Pueblo reinstated football in 2008. The contest also serves as the season opener for both programs.
Central Missouri hosted CSU Pueblo last season in a Thursday night Week Two matchup that turned into one of the most entertaining non-conference games of the year. Neither team led by more than seven points during the entire contest. Although the Mules owned a significant edge in total offense (536-373), it wasn’t enough to secure the victory.
Wide receivers stole the spotlight with standout performances on both sides. CSU Pueblo’s Dedrek Taylor-Adkins recorded seven receptions for 170 yards and a touchdown, while Central Missouri’s Hogan Wasson caught 12 passes for 128 yards. Teammate Jack Pospisil was even more productive, piling up 252 receiving yards on 12 catches. As impressive as that performance was, just three more yards may have changed the outcome of the game.
Trailing 29-24 in the final minute, Pospisil broke free for a 66-yard catch-and-run but was caught from behind at the CSU Pueblo three-yard line. With victory seemingly within reach, the Mules’ opportunity quickly unraveled. A penalty, a sack, and two incompletions turned a first-and-goal situation into a desperate fourth-and-27. A final Hail Mary attempt fell incomplete, allowing CSU Pueblo to escape with a dramatic road win.
The victory served as a major bounce-back after the ThunderWolves’ disappointing home loss to Fort Hays State the previous week. CSU Pueblo won the next eight games and captured the outright RMAC championship. For Central Missouri, the heartbreaking defeat dropped them to 0-2, though they rebounded with three straight victories. They eventually finished the season 5-6 overall and 5-4 in MIAA play.
CSU Pueblo is likely to enter this year’s rematch ranked in the Top 25 and favored on its home field. Can Central Missouri return the favor and leave Pueblo with a road victory of its own? We’ll find out on Division II’s opening night, Thursday, August 27. Kickoff at the ThunderBowl is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MT, with live coverage available on the RMAC Network.