Homecoming 2026 "Hometown to Falcons Everywhere"

BGSU Homecoming 2026 welcomed alumni, friends and supporters back to the place so many credit with helping them forge lifelong friends, create unforgettable memories and build the foundation for their careers and lives.

The 104th BGSU Homecoming celebration included honoring a new class of distinguished alumni, crowning this year’s Homecoming king and queen and a California-themed halftime performance by the Falcon Marching Band in honor of its upcoming performance in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.

University photographers Craig Bell, Justin Camuso-Stall '14, Haven Conn '22 and Benjamin Boutwell '24, along with student photographers Carter Gallagher, Jacob Smith and Ava Lidtke and student videographers Calen Gray, Noah Walter and Jackson Triggs captured the fun.

Academy of Distinguished Alumni induction ceremony

BGSU inducted three accomplished alumni into the Academy of Distinguished Alumni, one of the University's highest honors. Read more about the honorees here.

A group poses at the BGSU Academy of Distinguished Alumni event. — BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers poses with Academy of Distinguished Alumni inductees Valerie Newell '75 and William Shelt ‘81, ‘83. Geoffrey H. Radbill ‘68 was honored posthumously.

Welcome Back Party

The weekend's events kicked off with a Welcome Back party on Friday, Sept. 25. There were aerial performers, fire jugglers, a performance by the Falcon Marching Band and 600 roses given to band members in celebration of their upcoming trip to the Rose Parade in California.

BGSU marching band performing in front of University Hall

President of the Tournament of Roses at BGSU

Falcon Marching Band Director Jon Waters holding a rose

A couple at BGSU Homecoming Welcome Back party.

An artist next to his painting at BGSU's Homecoming Welcome Back party

Dave Wottle Homecoming 5K

Held Saturday morning, the Dave Wattle Homecoming 5K honors legendary Falcon and Olympic gold medalist Dave Wottle ‘73, who captured the world’s attention with his iconic 800-meter victory in 1972.

Dave Wottle raises starts the 5K race at BGSU

Runners in the Dave Wottle Homecoming 5K

Falconland and Kid Zone

A Homecoming favorite, Falconland included inflatables, face painting and games for Falcon families, alumni and community members. Alumni also had an opportunity to stroll through the All-Alumni Celebration with Decades Drive, celebrating a different era of BGSU.

Two children play in Falconland during BGSU

A child enjoy bubbles at Kid Zone at BGSU Homecoming

Falcon Fan Fest

The pregame celebration featured food, games and a musical performance by the Falcon Marching Band and BGSU Band Alumni Society, which celebrated its 50th anniversary at Homecoming.

A drone of the Falcon Marching Band at Falcon Fan Fest

A twirler performs during Falcon Fan Fest

BGSU vs. South Florida football game

BGSU played South Florida in front of a big Homecoming crowd at Doyt. L. Perry Stadium. Fans were treated to an incredible Falcon Marching Band halftime performance, celebrating the band's upcoming performance in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.

Doyt L. Perry Stadium was packed for the BGSU Homecoming football game

BGSU Homecoming king and queen

Gloria Head, a nutritional sciences major, and Elijah Ackles, who is majoring in theater, specializing in acting and directing, are crowned 2026 BGSU Homecoming king and queen.

BGSU Homecoming 2026 king and queen pose after being announced.