Mississippi Valley State still doesn’t know Chicago Football Classic opponent

Mississippi Valley State head coach Terrell Buckley isn’t worried about who will line up on the opposite sideline when the Delta Devils head to the Windy City this fall.

Speaking recently about MVSU’s upcoming appearance in the Chicago Football Classic on Sept. 12, 2026, at Soldier Field, Buckley made it clear his team will be ready for any opponent.

“We don’t care. We’re going to show up,” Buckley said on the Terrell Buckley Show hosted by The Bluebloods podcast. “Whoever they work out, they just need to be ready for the heat. We’re going to bring that heat at Soldier Field.”

The Delta Devils’ opponent for the Classic has yet to be announced, but Buckley’s confidence reflects a team looking to build momentum early in the season. Mississippi Valley State opens its 2026 campaign with a Thursday night matchup against Nicholls State and then FBS-bound Sacramento State before making the high-profile trip to Chicago as part of the team’s non-conference slate.

Mississippi Valley State last played in the Chicago Football Classic in 2023 versus Central State that ended in a 24-21 loss for the Delta Devils.

But that wasn’t the whole story of the trip to Chicago for MVSU. Then head coach Kendrick Wade called it “probably the worst experience of my life” in reference to a trip marred with logistical and accommodation issues.

Wade went even further, saying that the Delta Devils could not accept a future invitation to the Chicago Football Classic if asked to participate as long as he was coach.

That’s obviously changed since Wade and the school parted ways after the 2024 season.

Now entering his third season at the helm, Buckley continues to emphasize toughness and energy — traits he hopes will define his program as it looks to climb the Southwestern Athletic Conference standings.

“Whoever it is,” Buckley added with a grin, “just be ready.”

Mississippi Valley State is 2-5 all-time in the Chicago Football Classic.