The 2026 Central Michigan Chippewas football schedule features six home games at Kelly/Shorts Stadium and a Week 1 opener at New Mexico. Central Michigan closes the regular season at Ball State on November 28. Kickoff times and TV networks are still to be announced and will be added here as the MAC and its broadcast partners release them.
Central Michigan Chippewas Football Overview
Central Michigan is in its second season under head coach Matt Drinkall, who guided the Chippewas to a 7-6 record and a bowl appearance in his 2025 debut after arriving from Army.
The non-conference slate includes a Power Four payday at Miami in Week 4. Within the MAC, the Chippewas chase the Michigan MAC Trophy in games against Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan.
Central Michigan 2026 Football Schedule
Here is the full 2026 Central Michigan Chippewas schedule. Home games are listed as “vs” and road games as “@”. Times and TV are marked TBD until announced.
| WK | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sun, Sep 6 | @ New Mexico Lobos | TBD | TBD |
| 2 | Sat, Sep 12 | vs Colgate Raiders | TBD | TBD |
| 3 | Sat, Sep 19 | vs Wyoming Cowboys | TBD | TBD |
| 4 | Sat, Sep 26 | @ Miami Hurricanes | TBD | TBD |
| 5 | Sat, Oct 3 | vs Akron Zips | TBD | TBD |
| 6 | Sat, Oct 10 | @ Ohio Bobcats | TBD | TBD |
| 7 | Sat, Oct 17 | vs Western Michigan Broncos | TBD | TBD |
| 8 | Sat, Oct 24 | vs Miami (OH) RedHawks | TBD | TBD |
| BYE | Sat, Oct 31 | Open Date – Bye Week | – | – |
| 10 | Wed, Nov 4 | @ Eastern Michigan Eagles | TBD | TBD |
| 11 | Wed, Nov 11 | vs Sacramento State Hornets | TBD | TBD |
| 12 | Wed, Nov 18 | @ Buffalo Bulls | TBD | TBD |
| 13 | Sat, Nov 28 | @ Ball State Cardinals | TBD | TBD |
More 2026 College Football Resources
Central Michigan 2026 Football FAQ
Who is Central Michigan’s head coach in 2026?
Matt Drinkall leads Central Michigan in 2026, his second season. He went 7-6 with a bowl appearance in his 2025 debut after six years on the Army staff.
How many home games does Central Michigan play in 2026?
Central Michigan plays six home games in 2026: Colgate, Wyoming, Akron, Western Michigan, Miami (OH), and Sacramento State.
When is Central Michigan’s bye week in 2026?
Central Michigan’s bye week falls in Week 9, the weekend of October 31, 2026.
When will Central Michigan’s 2026 kickoff times and TV channels be announced?
Most MAC kickoff times and TV assignments are confirmed about 6 to 12 days before each game. This page and the printable PDF are updated as the MAC and its broadcast partners release them.
What is Central Michigan’s biggest rivalry game in 2026?
Central Michigan meets Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan with the Michigan MAC Trophy on the line, the Chippewas’ top in-state rivalries.
Official source: Central Michigan Chippewas Athletics.
