The 2026 Cornell Big Red football schedule is set. Cornell plays in the Ivy League and runs a 10-game season. The Big Red open September 19 at Colgate. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Cornell Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: Ivy League (FCS)
- Home stadium: Schoellkopf Field, Ithaca, NY
- Regular season: 10 games (5 home games, and 5 on the road)
- Conference games: 7
- Opener: September 19 at Colgate
- Finale: November 21 at Columbia
2026 Cornell Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 19 | at Colgate | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | vs Yale | Home | Ivy |
| Oct 3 | at Georgetown | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 10 | vs Harvard | Home | Ivy |
| Oct 17 | vs Lehigh | Home | Non-conference |
| Oct 24 | at Brown | Away | Ivy |
| Oct 31 | at Princeton | Away | Ivy |
| Nov 7 | vs Penn | Home | Ivy |
| Nov 14 | vs Dartmouth | Home | Ivy |
| Nov 21 | at Columbia | Away | Ivy |
Cornell opens the season September 19 at Colgate and closes the regular season November 21 at Columbia.
How the 2026 Cornell Season Sets Up
Cornell plays a 10-game regular season in 2026: 3 non-conference dates and 7 Ivy League games. The Big Red play 5 home games, and 5 on the road. Cornell hosts Harvard on October 10 and finishes at Columbia on November 21.
Cornell, the Ivy Race, and the FCS Playoffs
The Ivy League returned to the FCS playoffs in 2025 after decades on the sideline, so the Ivy champion now earns the league automatic bid into the 24-team bracket, with strong teams in the at-large mix as well. Follow the full title race on our 2026 Ivy League football schedule and standings page and print the field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch Cornell in 2026
Cornell games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks. 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 Cornell open the 2026 season?
Cornell opens the 2026 season September 19 at Colgate. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 at Columbia.
How many games do the Big Red play in 2026?
Cornell plays a 10-game regular season in 2026: 5 home games, and 5 on the road, including 7 Ivy League games.
Does the Ivy League champion make the FCS playoffs?
Yes. The Ivy League rejoined the FCS playoffs in 2025 after a long absence, and the Ivy champion earns the conference automatic bid into the 24-team bracket. Other Ivy teams can also earn at-large selections.
Is there a printable Cornell schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Cornell schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Cornell football in 2026?
Cornell games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed closer to gameday.
More 2026 FCS Coverage
Explore more: the 2026 Ivy League football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
