The 2026 Mercyhurst Lakers football schedule is set. Mercyhurst plays in the Northeast Conference and runs a 12-game season. The Lakers open August 27 at Youngstown State. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Mercyhurst Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: Northeast Conference (FCS)
- Home stadium: Saxon Stadium, Erie, PA
- Regular season: 12 games (4 home games, and 8 on the road)
- Conference games: 7
- Opener: August 27 at Youngstown State
- Finale: November 21 vs New Haven
2026 Mercyhurst Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27 | at Youngstown State | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | at New Mexico State | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | at New Mexico | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | vs Glenville State | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | at Western Kentucky | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 3 | at LIU | Away | NEC |
| Oct 17 | vs Central Connecticut | Home | NEC |
| Oct 24 | at Robert Morris | Away | NEC |
| Oct 31 | at Stonehill | Away | NEC |
| Nov 7 | vs Wagner | Home | NEC |
| Nov 14 | at Duquesne | Away | NEC |
| Nov 21 | vs New Haven | Home | NEC |
Mercyhurst opens the season August 27 at Youngstown State and closes the regular season November 21 vs New Haven.
How the 2026 Mercyhurst Season Sets Up
Mercyhurst plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 5 non-conference dates and 7 Northeast Conference games. The Lakers play 4 home games, and 8 on the road.
Mercyhurst, the Northeast Conference Race, and the FCS Playoffs
The Northeast 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 Northeast Conference football schedule and standings page and print the field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch Mercyhurst in 2026
Mercyhurst 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 Mercyhurst open the 2026 season?
Mercyhurst opens the 2026 season August 27 at Youngstown State. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 vs New Haven.
How many games do the Lakers play in 2026?
Mercyhurst plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 4 home games, and 8 on the road, including 7 Northeast Conference games.
Does the Northeast Conference champion make the FCS playoffs?
Yes. The Northeast Conference champion earns the conference automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff bracket. Other Northeast Conference teams can also earn at-large selections in a strong year.
Is there a printable Mercyhurst schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Mercyhurst schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Mercyhurst football in 2026?
Mercyhurst 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 Northeast Conference football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
