2026 Homecoming Royalty Announced

Published Saturday, October 03, 2026

2026 Homecoming King Jeremy Holland and Queen Jaden Jay

This week is Homecoming at SMSU. On Thursday, October 1, the Homecoming Royalty court was announced with the King and Queen crowned at a ceremony in the William Whipple Gallery.

Homecoming Court:

The Freshman Representatives:

Mya Firkus, who is majoring in Exercise Science. She is the daughter of Karin and Rian Firkus from Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Isiah Williams, who is a Physical Education Major from LeRoy, Minnesota. He is the son of Malinda and Dareen Winkles.

Sophomore Representatives:

Keagan Streich, who is majoring in Social Work and is the son of Duane and Jodi Streich, from Springfield, Minnesota.

Sophia Nelson, majoring in Communication. She is the daughter of Chris and Kelly Nelson, from Slayton, Minnesota.

HOMECOMING ROYALTY:

Homecoming King: Jeremy Holland, majoring in Social Work, from Los Angeles, California.

Homecoming Queen: Jaden Jay, majoring in Justice Administration, from New Ulm, Minnesota. Her parents are Jason and Marie Jay.

Royalty Runners-up:

John Haler, Justice Administration major from Lafayette, Minnesota. He is the son of Mark and Jill Haler.

Seely Stockmoe from Fargo, ND, majoring in Communications. She is the daughter of Stu and Sheri Stockmoe.

Paige Klaphake, Broadcasting and Digital Media major, from Belgrade, Minnesota.

Join us in celebrating Homecoming 2026 “Mustangs are Stronger Together.” Saturday’s schedule includes:

5K & 10K Race

8:00 a.m. | Track & Field Complex

Lace up your running shoes and kick-start your day with a morning run! Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Track & Field Complex on the north end of campus. Sponsored by the SMSU Veterans Center. Register here.

Saturday Morning Mustang

9:00 a.m. | Varsity Pub Extra Innings

Kick off your Homecoming Saturday with Saturday Morning Mustang. Listen live from Extra Innings! Join Ryan Rohlik and Kelly Loft, SMSU’s Assistant Athletic Director of Communications, for a lively hour of all things Mustang Athletics, including the latest updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive interviews with SMSU head coaches. Enjoy breakfast paninos, sip on Bloody Marys, or grab your favorite morning drink as we gear up for a full day of Homecoming festivities. It’s the perfect way to start your Saturday—great food, great drinks, and Mustang pride!

SMSU Women's Swim & Dive Alumni Meet

10:00 a.m. | Dan Palm Natatorium

Class of 1976, 2001, 2016, and 2021 Reunions

10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. | Upper Student Center

Enjoy refreshments while reuniting with your fellow classmates. Join us afterward for the parade through campus. Register Now

Social Work Reunion

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Parade Lineup & Check-In

11:00 a.m. | North B Parking Lot on Campus

Enter on the north side of campus off Highway 23 or from the south on State Street. Use the northernmost entrance to the parking lot. Float registration

SMSU Homecoming Parade

12:00 p.m.

The parade will once again take place on campus, beginning on State Street, continuing along Wefald Drive, and proceeding down Birch Street to the Schwan Regional Event Center via Mustang Trail. Parade Map

Tailgating and Game Day Roundup

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | RA Parking Lot

Game Day Roundup will take place two hours before kickoff on Mustang Trail and in the R/A Facility parking lot and will include inflatables, food trucks, music, tailgating, and more. It’s a great way for SMSU fans to celebrate Homecoming and enjoy the Mustang Experience!

SMSU Planetarium Star Show

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | SMSU Planetarium

"Welcome to the Universe" show includes a tour of the night sky from your backyard, then a lift-off from Earth to the far reaches of the universe.

Alumni Campus Tours

1:30 p.m. | Meet in Founders Hall Lobby and end at the Schwan Regional Event Center

Take a walk down memory lane and see what’s new at SMSU! Guided by Director of Development Rustin Buysse, these tours will highlight campus updates, favorite landmarks, and stories from the past. A great way to reconnect and rediscover Mustang pride. Campus Tour Sign-Up

Football Game vs. University of Minnesota Duluth

3:00 p.m. | Schwan Regional Event Center

Cheer on the Mustangs as they take on the Bulldogs.

Downtown Concert Featuring Junk FM

7:00 p.m. | 3rd Street Downtown Marshall

End the day in downtown Marshall with a free live concert by Junk FM. After the show, visit your favorite local spot, catch up with fellow alumni, and take a trip down memory lane.