WARRENSBURG, Mo. – University of Central Missouri Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Matt Howdeshell and Mules Football head coach Josh Lamberson, in conjunction with Colorado State University Pueblo Vice President for Athletics and Strategic Partnerships Dr. Paul Plinske and CSU Pueblo head football coach Philip Vigil, announced on Tuesday, Oct. 20, that the Mules and Thunderwolves have agreed to a two-year contract extension to continue their non-conference football series during the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

Under the renewed agreement, the Mules will host the Thunderwolves in their 2027 season opener, and the annual Get the Red Out Game on Thursday, August 26, at Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field in Warrensburg before traveling to Pueblo, Colo., to open the 2028 campaign on Thursday, August 24, at the CSU Pueblo ThunderBowl.

"We're excited to renew our non-conference series with Colorado State University Pueblo for the 2027 and 2028 seasons," Lamberson said. "These games provide a great opportunity against a quality program and continue building a schedule that challenges our team and prepares us for MIAA competition. We look forward to continuing this series and creating two great matchups for our players and fans."

The series between Central Missouri and CSU Pueblo dates back to 1983, when UCM posted a 34-9 victory over the Thunderwolves in Pueblo.

The Mules and Thunderwolves have met twice during the last two seasons, with CSU Pueblo posting a narrow 29-24 win in Warrensburg in 2025 and a 44-25 victory earlier this season in Pueblo, Colo., on August 27.

UCM is currently ranked seventh in the latest NCAA Division II Super Region 4 NPI, with a 5-2 record, while CSU Pueblo is ranked second with an overall record of 7-0.

The Mules are coming off a 49-43 win over Washburn in the annual UCM Homecoming Game on Saturday, Oct. 17. UCM is scheduled to play at Emporia State on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. in Emporia, Kan.