Wildcats end Matt Jauns’ first season with a record of 2-9
MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Northern Michigan football team closed out its 2026 regular season Saturday, falling 59-10 to Saginaw Valley State at the Superior Dome.
The Cardinals jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the opening quarter before breaking the game open with 28 points in the second to take a 42-3 advantage into halftime. SVSU added 17 points in the second half to secure the victory.
Northern Michigan found its first points late in the first half, as Sawyer McLinden connected on a 37-yard field goal to put the Wildcats on the board. Noah Dobert provided another highlight in the third quarter, breaking loose for a 40-yard touchdown run to cap a scoring drive and bring NMU to 49-10.
Dobert led the Wildcat offense with 106 rushing yards on 17 carries, including the 40-yard touchdown. Quarterback Matt Stevens finished 7-of-16 for 59 yards, while Nathan Pralle paced the defense with 11 tackles.
SVSU quarterback Connor Wolf completed 13-of-18 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns. Cornell Beard hauled in 139 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while Obie Sanni added 122 receiving yards and two scores. Matt Vaughn contributed three rushing touchdowns.
The Cardinals controlled the game statistically, holding a 29-7 advantage in first downs and outgaining the Wildcats 599-175.
Northern Michigan now looks to the offseason after finishing the 2026 season 2-9.
