The Duquesne Dukes (NEC) announced they will open the 2025 season at the Pittsburgh Panthers (ACC). The two teams will meet in the “City Game” (or “Battle of the Burgh“) on Saturday, August 30. The two programs haven’t met since 1939 and have only played 7 times in total. Pitt holds a 5-2 lead in the all-time series dating back to 1901 but Duquesne won the previous matchup 21-13.
Duquesne won a share of the NEC title in 2024 but the season finale loss against Central Connecticut State saw them miss on the conference’s AQ bid to the FCS Playoffs. The Dukes also have a 2025 game scheduled against Akron (MAC) on September 20, marking five straight seasons with two FBS opponents. Duquesne also has a 2026 contest against Air Force (MWC) scheduled for Saturday, September 5.
The Panthers started the 2024 season 7-0 but lost its final six games including the 6 overtime thriller against Toledo in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. Pitt will have an FCS opponent scheduled for the 16th straight season and the 20th time out of the last 21 seasons with the announcement of Duquesne for 2025. The Panthers also have a future matchup against Richmond (Patriot) scheduled for the 2029 season.
The Duquesne-Pitt game is the 120th known FCS-FBS matchup in 2025, just behind the record 121 matchups from the 2024 season. A full list of future FCS versus FBS games can be found here.
Photo Credit to Duquesne University Athletics
