Whitworth Hosts Willamette in Season Finale
The noon Saturday game marks Whitworth's final home football contest of the 2026 season.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
Whitworth hosts Willamette at noon on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in the final home football game of the season. Whitworth enters at 4-3 overall while Willamette is 1-7.
Why it matters
The game marks the first time in several years Whitworth will not play a consequential football game in November, as the team's remaining schedule has little bearing on the league race. For Whitworth, the matchup is a chance to finish strong at home after a mixed run of results.
The records are 4-3 for Whitworth and 1-7 for Willamette heading into the game, with Willamette ranking last in conference scoring and second-to-last in points allowed. The final conference standings and the effect of the result are not yet known.
The players
Whitworth University
A private liberal arts university in Spokane, Washington, whose football team competes in the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference.
Willamette University
A private liberal arts university in Salem, Oregon, whose football team competes in the Northwest Conference.
The details
Whitworth opened league play with two straight wins before losing to Linfield on Homecoming weekend in the Pine Bowl and then to Lewis and Clark in triple overtime the following weekend. The team rebounded last week with a 33-24 win over Pacific Lutheran, while Willamette most recently lost 55-0 to George Fox.
Timeline
Saturday, November 7, 2026, at noon: Whitworth hosts Willamette in its final home game of the season.
Homecoming weekend 2026: Whitworth loses to Linfield in the Pine Bowl.
The weekend after Homecoming: Whitworth loses to Lewis and Clark in triple overtime.
Last weekend: Whitworth beats Pacific Lutheran 33-24 and Linfield beats Lewis and Clark.
Season Trajectory
This game breaks from recent Northwest Conference seasons in which Whitworth typically had meaningful November football. With the team's remaining opponents largely settled, the finale carries little weight for playoff positioning.
Fans attending the noon kickoff will see the final home game of the 2026 season at Whitworth. The result will not change Whitworth's conference positioning, so the game matters mainly for the team's end-of-season record and momentum.
The takeaway
Whitworth's 4-3 start shows a team that has bounced back from tough losses, and the final home game offers a chance to close the season strong. Readers can track the team's road finale against Puget Sound for the full-season picture.
What happens next
Whitworth will close the season on the road against Puget Sound after this home finale.
Further reading
For more local coverage, see the Football section for Spokane-area college football news.
