The 2026 Lamar Cardinals football schedule is set. Lamar plays in the Southland Conference and runs a 12-game season. The Cardinals open August 29 vs Abilene Christian. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Lamar Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: Southland Conference (FCS)
- Home stadium: Provost Umphrey Stadium, Beaumont, TX
- Regular season: 12 games (6 home games, and 6 on the road)
- Conference games: 9
- Opener: August 29 vs Abilene Christian
- Finale: November 21 at McNeese
2026 Lamar Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | vs Abilene Christian | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | at Louisiana | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | at Idaho | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | at Nicholls | Away | Southland |
| Oct 3 | vs Northwestern State | Home | Southland |
| Oct 10 | vs Incarnate Word | Home | Southland |
| Oct 17 | at Southeastern Louisiana | Away | Southland |
| Oct 24 | vs Houston Christian | Home | Southland |
| Oct 31 | at UTRGV | Away | Southland |
| Nov 7 | vs Stephen F. Austin | Home | Southland |
| Nov 14 | vs East Texas A&M | Home | Southland |
| Nov 21 | at McNeese | Away | Southland |
Lamar opens the season August 29 vs Abilene Christian and closes the regular season November 21 at McNeese.
How the 2026 Lamar Season Sets Up
Lamar plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 3 non-conference dates and 9 Southland Conference games. The Cardinals play 6 home games, and 6 on the road.
Lamar, the Southland Conference Race, and the FCS Playoffs
The Southland 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 Southland Conference football schedule and standings page and print the field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch Lamar in 2026
Lamar 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 Lamar open the 2026 season?
Lamar opens the 2026 season August 29 vs Abilene Christian. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 at McNeese.
How many games do the Cardinals play in 2026?
Lamar plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 6 home games, and 6 on the road, including 9 Southland Conference games.
Does the Southland Conference champion make the FCS playoffs?
Yes. The Southland Conference champion earns the conference automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff bracket. Other Southland Conference teams can also earn at-large selections in a strong year.
Is there a printable Lamar schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Lamar schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Lamar football in 2026?
Lamar 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 Southland Conference football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
