FRISCO – The Southland Conference officially released its 2026 football schedule on Tuesday, Jan. 6, highlighted by the league’s first-ever nine-game conference slate and a season structure designed to maximize competitive balance and weekly significance.

For the first time in conference history, all Southland programs will compete in nine league games, creating a clearer championship pathway and ensuring at least one conference matchup every week throughout the regular season.

The 2026 campaign opens with a robust Week 0 lineup, with select details still to be announced. Two conference games are slated to open the season, including HCU at Southeastern Louisiana and McNeese at defending Southland champion Stephen F. Austin. Additional Week 0 highlights include a playoff rematch between Abilene Christian and Lamar in Beaumont, as well as a marquee non-conference matchup featuring North Dakota State at UIW in San Antonio, two of the nation’s winningest programs over the past decade. A complete Week 0 slate will be announced at a later date.

Conference play runs uninterrupted throughout the fall, underscoring the league’s emphasis on competitive continuity and national visibility. The regular season culminates with a rivalry-filled Week 12, featuring Lamar at McNeese, Southeastern Louisiana at Nicholls, and Northwestern State at Stephen F. Austin.

All Southland football games will continue to be carried on ESPN+ as part of the conference’s digital media agreement. Additional linear television selections and kickoff times will be announced at a later date.

The full 2026 Southland football schedule is now available.