Augustana, Sioux Falls to Play 14th Rivalry Game
The city rivals meet at Kirkeby-Over Stadium on October 3 to compete for the annual Key to the City trophy.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Football
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Augustana University and the University of Sioux Falls will face off in their 14th modern-day Key to the City game on October 3, 2026. Both programs enter the matchup at Kirkeby-Over Stadium holding identical 3-2 records.
Why it matters
The rivalry game serves as a critical test for both teams as they compete to keep their playoff aspirations alive. A victory in this matchup is essential for establishing momentum in the remainder of the season.
Augustana University currently leads the NSIC in offense, while the University of Sioux Falls defense ranks third in the conference. Gunnar Hensley enters the game leading the NCAA Division II in passing yards.
The players
Augustana University
This university operates a football program that currently leads the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in offensive production.
University of Sioux Falls
This educational institution features a football program whose defense currently ranks third within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
Jim Glogowski
He serves as the head coach for the University of Sioux Falls football team and holds an 0-3 record in this specific rivalry series.
Gunnar Hensley
He is a standout player who currently leads all of NCAA Division II in total passing yards.
The details
Augustana enters the contest having won three consecutive games in the series, including a narrow 29-28 victory in 2025. University of Sioux Falls coach Jim Glogowski remains winless in his three previous rivalry appearances.
Timeline
Augustana defeated the University of Sioux Falls 29-28 in 2025.
The University of Sioux Falls lost to Minnesota State in September 2026.
Augustana lost to Winona State in September 2026.
The 14th Key to the City game takes place October 3, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The 2026 contest follows the intense 19-point comeback pattern seen in the 2025 Key to the City game, which ended in a 29-28 score. This matchup directly dictates which program maintains a viable path toward playoff qualification for the remainder of the season.
The outcome will directly determine which team secures a winning record within the conference standings moving forward. Players will be looking to overcome individual defensive rankings, specifically Augustana's bottom-ranked defense versus the Sioux Falls defensive unit.
The takeaway
This rivalry game highlights the importance of consistency for teams currently holding identical mid-season records. Fans should watch for how coaching strategies adapt to the defensive and offensive rankings of each respective squad.
Further reading
For more updates on local competition, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sioux Falls Live.
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