The 2026 Gardner-Webb Runnin Bulldogs football schedule is set. Gardner-Webb plays in the Ohio Valley Conference and runs a 12-game season. The Runnin Bulldogs open August 27 at Austin Peay. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Gardner-Webb Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: Ohio Valley Conference (FCS)
- Home stadium: Ernest W. Spangler Stadium, Boiling Springs, NC
- Regular season: 12 games (4 home games, and 8 on the road)
- Conference games: 7
- Opener: August 27 at Austin Peay
- Finale: November 21 vs Tennessee State
2026 Gardner-Webb Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27 | at Austin Peay | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | at Wofford | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | at Liberty | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | vs North Carolina Central | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | at Marshall | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 3 | at Charleston Southern | Away (North/South BBQ Bowl) | OVC |
| Oct 10 | vs Eastern Illinois | Home | OVC |
| Oct 17 | at UT Martin | Away | OVC |
| Oct 31 | at Southeast Missouri State | Away | OVC |
| Nov 7 | vs Lindenwood | Home | OVC |
| Nov 14 | at Western Illinois | Away | OVC |
| Nov 21 | vs Tennessee State | Home | OVC |
Gardner-Webb opens the season August 27 at Austin Peay and closes the regular season November 21 vs Tennessee State.
How the 2026 Gardner-Webb Season Sets Up
Gardner-Webb plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 5 non-conference dates and 7 Ohio Valley Conference games. The Runnin Bulldogs play 4 home games, and 8 on the road. The schedule includes the North/South BBQ Bowl, at Charleston Southern on October 3.
Gardner-Webb, the Ohio Valley Conference Race, and the FCS Playoffs
The Ohio Valley 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 Ohio Valley Conference football schedule and standings page and print the field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch Gardner-Webb in 2026
Gardner-Webb 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 Gardner-Webb open the 2026 season?
Gardner-Webb opens the 2026 season August 27 at Austin Peay. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 vs Tennessee State.
How many games do the Runnin Bulldogs play in 2026?
Gardner-Webb plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 4 home games, and 8 on the road, including 7 Ohio Valley Conference games.
Does the Ohio Valley Conference champion make the FCS playoffs?
Yes. The Ohio Valley Conference champion earns the conference automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff bracket. Other Ohio Valley Conference teams can also earn at-large selections in a strong year.
Is there a printable Gardner-Webb schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Gardner-Webb schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Gardner-Webb football in 2026?
Gardner-Webb 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 Ohio Valley Conference football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
