The 2026 Dayton Flyers football schedule is set. Dayton plays in the Pioneer Football League and runs a 11-game season. The Flyers open August 29 vs Fairmont State. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Dayton Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: Pioneer Football League (FCS)
- Home stadium: Welcome Stadium, Dayton, OH
- Regular season: 11 games (6 home games, and 5 on the road)
- Conference games: 8
- Opener: August 29 vs Fairmont State
- Finale: November 21 at Presbyterian
2026 Dayton Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | vs Fairmont State | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | vs Thomas More | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | at Eastern Kentucky | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 3 | at Drake | Away | PFL |
| Oct 10 | vs Morehead State | Home | PFL |
| Oct 17 | at Butler | Away | PFL |
| Oct 24 | vs San Diego | Home | PFL |
| Oct 31 | at Stetson | Away | PFL |
| Nov 7 | vs Valparaiso | Home | PFL |
| Nov 14 | vs Davidson | Home | PFL |
| Nov 21 | at Presbyterian | Away | PFL |
Dayton opens the season August 29 vs Fairmont State and closes the regular season November 21 at Presbyterian.
How the 2026 Dayton Season Sets Up
Dayton plays a 11-game regular season in 2026: 3 non-conference dates and 8 Pioneer Football League games. The Flyers play 6 home games, and 5 on the road.
Dayton, the Pioneer Football League Race, and the FCS Playoffs
The Pioneer Football League 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 Pioneer Football League football schedule and standings page and print the field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch Dayton in 2026
Dayton 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 Dayton open the 2026 season?
Dayton opens the 2026 season August 29 vs Fairmont State. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 at Presbyterian.
How many games do the Flyers play in 2026?
Dayton plays a 11-game regular season in 2026: 6 home games, and 5 on the road, including 8 Pioneer Football League games.
Does the Pioneer Football League champion make the FCS playoffs?
Yes. The Pioneer Football League champion earns the conference automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff bracket. Other Pioneer Football League teams can also earn at-large selections in a strong year.
Is there a printable Dayton schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Dayton schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Dayton football in 2026?
Dayton 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 Pioneer Football League football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
