Central Michigan and Old Dominion Strike 2027-32 Football Home-and-Home
Central Michigan University and Old Dominion University will play a two-game football series in 2027 and 2032, marking the first-ever meeting between the two programs on the gridiron. A copy of the game contract was obtained through a state public records request, confirming the agreement for the 2027 and 2032 seasons. The opener will see CMU host Old Dominion at Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant on Saturday, September 18, 2027. Five years later, the Chippewas will travel to Norfolk to take on the Monarchs at Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium on Saturday, September 18, 2032.
With Old Dominion added to the schedule, Central Michigan has tentatively completed its non-conference slate for the 2027 season. CMU is set to open the year at home against Monmouth on Thursday, September 2, after a contract amendment moved that game from September 18 to Week 1. The Chippewas also have non-conference trips lined up to Michigan State on September 11 in East Lansing and Wyoming on September 25 in Laramie.
Old Dominion’s 2027 non-conference schedule includes three other opponents alongside the new CMU game: a home opener against Norfolk State on September 4 and a September 25 showdown at UConn, with the CMU contest now added to the mix.
Commentary and implications:
– The series gives both programs a valuable regional matchup and long-term planning certainty, helping with travel arrangements and fan engagement for 2027 and beyond.
– For CMU, the 2027 schedule features a mix of high-profile and regional opponents, including a traditional Power Five road trip to Michigan State and a trip to Wyoming, providing exposure across different conferences and regions.
– Old Dominion fans gain a cross-country, late-September matchup that could attract attention from multiple fan bases and provide a notable non-conference experience in the Monarchs’ schedule.
Summary:
The Central Michigan–Old Dominion home-and-home pact adds a first-ever FBS meeting in 2027 and a return game in 2032, while both schools finalize portions of their non-conference schedules for next season.
Positive note:
This development offers fans meaningful regional competition and opportunities for memorable travel experiences as both programs pursue competitive non-conference play in the coming years.