Last month, when Mississippi Valley State football released its 2026 schedule, there was a glaring hole in the Delta Devils’ 12-game docket: their opponent for the Chicago Football Classic.
Like the mystery partner in an NWA steel cage tag team match, speculation arose as to who the yet-to-be-named/determined opponent might be.
We now know who that opponent will be.
When the Delta Devils take Soldier Field on September 12, th team on the opposing sideline will be the Lions of Lincoln (PA) of the CIAA.
This will be the first meeting between the two schools.
The Chicago Football Classic dates back to 1997, with Mississippi Valley and Southern taking part in that initial matchup. The most recent game was played in 2024, when Morehouse defeated Kentucky State, 31-28.
MVSU last took part in the classic in 2023, losing 24-21 to Central State in the 25th anniversary of the contest.
