The 2026 Eastern Kentucky Colonels football schedule is set. Eastern Kentucky plays in the United Athletic Conference and runs a 12-game season. The Colonels open August 29 at Western Carolina. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Eastern Kentucky Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: United Athletic Conference (FCS)
- Home stadium: Roy Kidd Stadium, Richmond, KY
- Regular season: 12 games (6 home games, and 6 on the road)
- Conference games: 7
- Opener: August 29 at Western Carolina
- Finale: November 21 at Abilene Christian
2026 Eastern Kentucky Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | at Western Carolina | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | at Jacksonville State | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | vs Chattanooga | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | vs Dayton | Home | Non-conference |
| Oct 3 | vs North Alabama | Home | UAC |
| Oct 10 | vs West Georgia | Home | UAC |
| Oct 17 | at Tennessee Tech | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 24 | vs West Florida | Home | UAC |
| Oct 31 | at Tarleton State | Away | UAC |
| Nov 7 | at Austin Peay | Away | UAC |
| Nov 14 | vs Central Arkansas | Home | UAC |
| Nov 21 | at Abilene Christian | Away | UAC |
Eastern Kentucky opens the season August 29 at Western Carolina and closes the regular season November 21 at Abilene Christian.
How the 2026 Eastern Kentucky Season Sets Up
Eastern Kentucky plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 5 non-conference dates and 7 United Athletic Conference games. The Colonels play 6 home games, and 6 on the road.
Eastern Kentucky, 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 Eastern Kentucky in 2026
Eastern Kentucky 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 Eastern Kentucky open the 2026 season?
Eastern Kentucky opens the 2026 season August 29 at Western Carolina. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 at Abilene Christian.
How many games do the Colonels play in 2026?
Eastern Kentucky 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 Eastern Kentucky schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Eastern Kentucky schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Eastern Kentucky football in 2026?
Eastern Kentucky 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.
