Holy Cross Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kit Hughes has announced that the football program has added a pair of future FBS matchups to its schedules. The Crusaders will travel to play at a Big Ten opponent in Northwestern on Sept. 4, 2027, and will play at Navy on Sept. 2, 2028. 

"These matchups will provide a unique experience for all members of the Crusader community," Hughes said. "Not only will our student-athletes be able to showcase their talents against top-tier FBS competition, but our alumni and families will also benefit from these special environments and enjoy cheering on their Crusaders against similar, mission-driven institutions. Chicagoland and the Mid-Atlantic are key recruiting hubs for us, and with so many Holy Cross student-athletes, families and alumni calling those areas home, we look forward to engaging a broad population of our community and celebrating Holy Cross together."

This will be the first time in program history that the Crusaders have played against Northwestern. Holy Cross last faced Navy on Aug. 31, 2019, in the first-ever meeting between the programs. 

Holy Cross' next matchup against an FBS opponent will also take place in Illinois, with its 2025 season opener slated against Northern Illinois on Aug. 30. 

The Crusaders have fared well in recent contests against FBS competition, earning victories over Connecticut in 2021 and Buffalo in 2022. 

Dates for all future contests are subject to change. 

FOLLOW THE CRUSADERS
Be sure to follow the Holy Cross football team — and all things Crusader Athletics — on social media!
X - @HCrossFB | @goholycross
Instagram - @hcrossfb | @goholycross
Facebook - Holy Cross Football | Holy Cross Athletics
YouTube - GoHolyCross