The 2026 Central Arkansas Bears football schedule is set. Central Arkansas plays in the United Athletic Conference and runs a 12-game season. The Bears open August 27 at UT Martin. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Central Arkansas Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: United Athletic Conference (FCS)
- Home stadium: Estes Stadium, Conway, AR
- Regular season: 12 games (6 home games, and 6 on the road)
- Conference games: 7
- Opener: August 27 at UT Martin
- Finale: November 21 vs Austin Peay
2026 Central Arkansas Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27 | at UT Martin | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | vs West Florida | Home | UAC |
| Sept 12 | vs Central Oklahoma | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | at Southeast Missouri State | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | at Florida State | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 10 | at Abilene Christian | Away | UAC |
| Oct 17 | at Tarleton State | Away | UAC |
| Oct 24 | vs UTRGV | Home | Non-conference |
| Oct 31 | vs North Alabama | Home | UAC |
| Nov 7 | vs West Georgia | Home | UAC |
| Nov 14 | at Eastern Kentucky | Away | UAC |
| Nov 21 | vs Austin Peay | Home | UAC |
Central Arkansas opens the season August 27 at UT Martin and closes the regular season November 21 vs Austin Peay.
How the 2026 Central Arkansas Season Sets Up
Central Arkansas plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 5 non-conference dates and 7 United Athletic Conference games. The Bears play 6 home games, and 6 on the road.
Central Arkansas, the United Athletic Conference Race, and the FCS Playoffs
The United Athletic Conference champion earns the league automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff bracket, so the conference race doubles as a playoff race. Follow the standings on our 2026 United Athletic Conference football schedule and standings page and print the field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch Central Arkansas in 2026
Central Arkansas games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks and regional outlets. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed in the weeks before kickoff, so bookmark this page and check back as the matchups firm up.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Central Arkansas open the 2026 season?
Central Arkansas opens the 2026 season August 27 at UT Martin. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 vs Austin Peay.
How many games do the Bears play in 2026?
Central Arkansas plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 6 home games, and 6 on the road, including 7 United Athletic Conference games.
Does the United Athletic Conference champion make the FCS playoffs?
Yes. The United Athletic Conference champion earns the conference automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff bracket. Other United Athletic Conference teams can also earn at-large selections in a strong year.
Is there a printable Central Arkansas schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Central Arkansas schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Central Arkansas football in 2026?
Central Arkansas games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks and regional outlets. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed closer to gameday.
More 2026 FCS Coverage
Explore more: the 2026 United Athletic Conference football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
