​One of Indiana’s oldest and most storied college football rivalries will hit a neutral field for the first time in more than a century, with the Monon Bell Classic headed to Muncie. DePauw and Wabash are scheduled to meet at Scheumann Stadium on the Ball State University campus on Saturday, November 14, 2026, a game date and site arrangement announced Friday, July 10. The matchup marks a historic shift as DePauw’s football stadium undergoes a two-year renovation, forcing this year’s edition of the annual rivalry to be played away from both schools’ home venues. It is the first time since 1922 that the rivalry game will not be held on either campus, spanning 104 years of tradition.
DePauw athletic director Stevie Baker-Watson expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “We’re thrilled to partner with Ball State as the host for one of the most-storied rivalries in college sports. Scheumann Stadium will provide both fan bases with an excellent experience while maintaining the traditions that have become so important to both institutions.” The news comes as Ball State fans and the broader Indiana sports community anticipate a game that exemplifies the enduring appeal of cross-state college football rivalries.
The Monon Bell series, which has seen DePauw and Wabash face each other 131 times, has long featured the Bell trophy as the centerpiece of their annual clash. For the last 94 meetings, the teams have contested the Monon Bell traveling trophy, elevating the game into one of the premier rivalries within NCAA Division III football. Ball State’s announcement frame lauded the event as a cornerstone of Indiana sports history and among college football’s most notable rivalries, underscoring the pride of hosting this historic matchup in Muncie and inviting fans statewide to experience the Monon Bell Classic at a premier campus venue.
In the upcoming November 14 showdown, kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. Local fan access will begin with ticket sales expected to open in September. The press materials highlighted the symbolic significance of the neutral-site arrangement, reinforcing Ball State’s role in preserving the tradition while presenting an inclusive experience for supporters from both institutions and beyond.
Historically, Wabash carries a narrow lead in the all-time series, holding a 63-59-9 edge over DePauw. The Tigers, DePauw’s nickname, rode a strong season to finish 10-2 in the prior year and advanced to the second round of the Division III playoffs. Wabash, meanwhile, concluded the 2024 campaign with a 9-2 record, but did not secure a postseason berth. The shifting venue this year does not alter the competitive arc or the anticipation surrounding the matchup, as each program eyes another chapter in this long-running story of intrastate rivalry, tradition, and competitive intensity.
Reporting on the development comes from Indianapolis-area and Indiana-centric sports journalism, with coverage also cross-listed by USA Today’s Center for Community Journalism. For readers seeking broader context on Indiana high school and college athletics, the reporting connects to Ball State’s broader athletics portfolio, including a forthcoming assessment of the university’s performance across the 2025-26 seasons.
The Monon Bell game at Scheumann Stadium promises a blend of classic rivalry energy and the fresh experience of a neutral site, inviting alumni, students, and sports enthusiasts from across the state to witness a marquee clash in a setting that honors the enduring traditions of DePauw and Wabash while embracing Ball State’s campus culture. As the two programs prepare for this landmark meeting, the Monon Bell Classic continues its legacy as one of the most significant and enduring rivalries in American college football, particularly within Division III. The date remains fixed on the calendar, with fans and supporters eagerly awaiting the 132nd edition of a game that has long symbolized competitive fire, camaraderie, and Indiana sporting heritage.