The 2026 Delaware State Hornets football schedule is set. Delaware State plays in the MEAC and runs a 12-game season. The Hornets open August 27 vs Stony Brook. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Delaware State Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: MEAC (FCS)
- Home stadium: Alumni Stadium, Dover, DE
- Regular season: 12 games (6 home games, and 6 on the road)
- Conference games: 5
- Opener: August 27 vs Stony Brook
- Finale: November 21 at South Carolina State
2026 Delaware State Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27 | vs Stony Brook | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | at William & Mary | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | vs Bowie State | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | at South Florida | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | vs Towson | Home | Non-conference |
| Oct 3 | at UAlbany | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 10 | vs Franklin Pierce | Home | Non-conference |
| Oct 24 | vs North Carolina Central | Home | MEAC |
| Oct 31 | at Norfolk State | Away | MEAC |
| Nov 7 | vs Morgan State | Home | MEAC |
| Nov 14 | at Howard | Away | MEAC |
| Nov 21 | at South Carolina State | Away | MEAC |
Delaware State opens the season August 27 vs Stony Brook and closes the regular season November 21 at South Carolina State.
How the 2026 Delaware State Season Sets Up
Delaware State plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 7 non-conference dates and 5 MEAC games. The Hornets play 6 home games, and 6 on the road. Delaware State plays a heavy non-conference slate, including an FBS trip to South Florida, before MEAC play opens October 24.
Delaware State, the MEAC Race, and the Celebration Bowl
The MEAC champion does not enter the 24-team FCS playoff. Instead the league winner plays in the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta against the SWAC champion, the recognized national title game of HBCU football. Because the MEAC is a straight round-robin, the title usually comes down to the final weekend. Follow it on our 2026 MEAC football schedule and standings page.
How to Watch Delaware State in 2026
Delaware State 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 Delaware State open the 2026 season?
Delaware State opens the 2026 season August 27 vs Stony Brook. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 at South Carolina State.
How many games do the Hornets play in 2026?
Delaware State plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 6 home games, and 6 on the road, including 5 MEAC games.
Does the MEAC champion make the FCS playoffs?
No. The MEAC champion does not enter the FCS playoff. The league winner instead plays in the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta against the SWAC champion, the recognized national championship of HBCU football.
Is there a printable Delaware State schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Delaware State schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Delaware State football in 2026?
Delaware State 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 MEAC football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
