The 2026 South Carolina State Bulldogs football schedule is set. South Carolina State plays in the MEAC and runs a 12-game season. The Bulldogs open August 29 vs Savannah State. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 South Carolina State Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: MEAC (FCS)
- Home stadium: Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, Orangeburg, SC
- Regular season: 12 games (6 home games, 5 on the road, and 1 neutral-site game)
- Conference games: 5
- Opener: August 29 vs Savannah State
- Finale: November 21 vs Delaware State
2026 South Carolina State Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | vs Savannah State | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 6 | vs Florida A&M | Neutral (Orange Blossom Classic, Miami) | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | vs Virginia State | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | at Furman | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | at Bethune-Cookman | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 3 | vs The Citadel | Home | Non-conference |
| Oct 10 | at Charleston Southern | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 24 | vs Norfolk State | Home | MEAC |
| Oct 29 | at Morgan State | Away | MEAC |
| Nov 5 | at Howard | Away | MEAC |
| Nov 14 | vs North Carolina Central | Home | MEAC |
| Nov 21 | vs Delaware State | Home | MEAC |
South Carolina State opens the season August 29 vs Savannah State and closes the regular season November 21 vs Delaware State.
How the 2026 South Carolina State Season Sets Up
South Carolina State plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 7 non-conference dates and 5 MEAC games. The Bulldogs play 6 home games, 5 on the road, and 1 neutral-site game. South Carolina State meets Florida A&M in the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami on September 6, one of the signature dates in HBCU football.
South Carolina 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 South Carolina State in 2026
South Carolina 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 South Carolina State open the 2026 season?
South Carolina State opens the 2026 season August 29 vs Savannah State. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 vs Delaware State.
How many games do the Bulldogs play in 2026?
South Carolina State plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 6 home games, 5 on the road, and 1 neutral-site game, 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 South Carolina State schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 South Carolina State schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch South Carolina State football in 2026?
South Carolina 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.
