The 2026 Valparaiso Beacons football schedule is set. Valparaiso plays in the Pioneer Football League and runs a 11-game season. The Beacons open August 29 vs Lawrence Tech. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Valparaiso Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: Pioneer Football League (FCS)
- Home stadium: Brown Field, Valparaiso, IN
- Regular season: 11 games (5 home games, and 6 on the road)
- Conference games: 8
- Opener: August 29 vs Lawrence Tech
- Finale: November 21 vs St. Thomas
2026 Valparaiso Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | vs Lawrence Tech | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | at Murray State | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | at Indiana State | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | vs Butler | Home | PFL |
| Oct 3 | at Morehead State | Away | PFL |
| Oct 10 | vs Drake | Home | PFL |
| Oct 17 | at San Diego | Away | PFL |
| Oct 24 | vs Presbyterian | Home | PFL |
| Nov 7 | at Dayton | Away | PFL |
| Nov 14 | at Stetson | Away | PFL |
| Nov 21 | vs St. Thomas | Home | PFL |
Valparaiso opens the season August 29 vs Lawrence Tech and closes the regular season November 21 vs St. Thomas.
How the 2026 Valparaiso Season Sets Up
Valparaiso plays a 11-game regular season in 2026: 3 non-conference dates and 8 Pioneer Football League games. The Beacons play 5 home games, and 6 on the road.
Valparaiso, the Pioneer Football League Race, and the FCS Playoffs
The Pioneer Football League 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 Pioneer Football League football schedule and standings page and print the field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch Valparaiso in 2026
Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso open the 2026 season?
Valparaiso opens the 2026 season August 29 vs Lawrence Tech. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 vs St. Thomas.
How many games do the Beacons play in 2026?
Valparaiso plays a 11-game regular season in 2026: 5 home games, and 6 on the road, including 8 Pioneer Football League games.
Does the Pioneer Football League champion make the FCS playoffs?
Yes. The Pioneer Football League champion earns the conference automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff bracket. Other Pioneer Football League teams can also earn at-large selections in a strong year.
Is there a printable Valparaiso schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Valparaiso schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Valparaiso football in 2026?
Valparaiso 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 Pioneer Football League football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
