2026 college football opening weekend
The season begins Thursday, August 27. This permanent guide pairs official schedules with Fan Stamp’s venue pages, so times and ticket details stay with the schools while trip guidance stays clearly editorial.
Reviewed 2026-08-23
Thursday, August 27
Southern Illinois at West Florida
West Florida begins Division I transition play at PenAir Field and helps open the national season.
Official links for PenAir Field
These links go directly to the team, school, conference, or venue. Fan Stamp’s editorial guidance appears elsewhere on this page.
- Schedule2026 football schedule ↗
- TicketsOfficial ticket information ↗
- ParkingParking and tailgating ↗
- Bag policyClear-bag policy ↗
- AccessibilityAccessible seating and parking ↗
Friday, August 28
Marist at New Haven
New Haven opens its first full Northeast Conference football season at DellaCamera Stadium.
Official links for Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium
These links go directly to the team, school, conference, or venue. Fan Stamp’s editorial guidance appears elsewhere on this page.
- Schedule2026 football schedule ↗
- TicketsOfficial tickets via the schedule ↗
- ParkingFootball game-day parking ↗
- Bag policyStadium entry and bag rules ↗
- AccessibilitySpecial assistance and accessible parking ↗
Saturday, August 29
Jacksonville State at North Dakota State
The Bison play their first game as an FBS program and Mountain West football member at the Fargodome.
Official links for Fargodome
These links go directly to the team, school, conference, or venue. Fan Stamp’s editorial guidance appears elsewhere on this page.
- Schedule2026 football schedule ↗
- Tickets2026 football ticket information ↗
- ParkingFargodome parking map and facility information ↗
- AccessibilityAccessible ticket information ↗
Saturday, August 29
Sacramento State at Eastern Michigan
Sacramento State starts its first FBS season and its first campaign as a football-only MAC member.
Official links for Rynearson Stadium guide
These links go directly to the team, school, conference, or venue. Fan Stamp’s editorial guidance appears elsewhere on this page.
- Schedule2026 football schedule ↗
National opening-date source
NCAA.com identifies Thursday, August 27 as the start of the 2026 season and lists the opening-weekend slate. School and conference pages above remain the authority for each team’s details.
NCAA 2026 season-opening guide ↗