RIVER FALLS, Wis. – UW-River Falls head football coach Matt Walker announced the 2022 fall football schedule, released Wednesday, April 27.

UWRF is coming off a record-setting 2021 season in which the Falcons turned in a 9-2 overall record and 5-2 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) ledger. River Falls capped off the season with a 48-27 win over WashU in the inaugural Culver's Isthmus Bowl, tying a program record for wins in a season.

The Falcons were ranked No. 22 in the final 2021 American Football Coaches' Association (AFCA) Division III Top 25 Poll, and No. 20 by D3football.com.

UWRF will open its 2022 campaign on the road at Elmhurst University on Sept. 3, followed by a road matchup at nationally-ranked and 2021 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Champions, Saint John's University on Sept. 10. The Falcons will face three teams nationally-ranked in the final 2021 AFCA poll; No. 3 UW-Whitewater, No. 8 Saint John's, and No. 12 UW-La Crosse.

"We are vey excited to build off the momentum from our 2021 season," said Walker. "The addition of Saint Johns to our non-conference schedule is an exciting challenge and opportunity to play a nationally-ranked opponent that our players and coaches are looking forward to."

Sept. 17 marks the home opener, hosting the University of Northwestern under the lights at 6 p.m. inside David Smith Stadium at Ramer Field.

The Falcons open the WIAC schedule versus UW-Stevens Point on Oct. 1, hosting the Pointers during UWRF Homecoming.

"There is no reason to think that the league will not be as good as it has ever been," Walker commented. "We have so much respect for the other WIAC programs and coaches that continue to prove why this is the best league in the nation. The challenge of putting your hand on the ground every Saturday against the country's best is what makes competing in this league so special."