The 2026 Western Illinois Leathernecks football schedule is set. Western Illinois plays in the Ohio Valley Conference and runs a 12-game season. The Leathernecks open August 27 vs Northwestern (IA). Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Western Illinois Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: Ohio Valley Conference (FCS)
- Home stadium: Hanson Field, Macomb, IL
- Regular season: 12 games (6 home games, and 6 on the road)
- Conference games: 7
- Opener: August 27 vs Northwestern (IA)
- Finale: November 21 at Lindenwood
2026 Western Illinois Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27 | vs Northwestern (IA) | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | vs Illinois State | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | at Wisconsin | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | vs Morehead State | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | at North Alabama | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 3 | vs Tennessee State | Home | OVC |
| Oct 17 | at Southeast Missouri State | Away | OVC |
| Oct 24 | vs UT Martin | Home | OVC |
| Oct 31 | at Charleston Southern | Away | OVC |
| Nov 7 | at Eastern Illinois | Away | OVC |
| Nov 14 | vs Gardner-Webb | Home | OVC |
| Nov 21 | at Lindenwood | Away | OVC |
Western Illinois opens the season August 27 vs Northwestern (IA) and closes the regular season November 21 at Lindenwood.
How the 2026 Western Illinois Season Sets Up
Western Illinois plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 5 non-conference dates and 7 Ohio Valley Conference games. The Leathernecks play 6 home games, and 6 on the road.
Western Illinois, 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 Western Illinois in 2026
Western Illinois 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 Western Illinois open the 2026 season?
Western Illinois opens the 2026 season August 27 vs Northwestern (IA). The regular season runs through the finale November 21 at Lindenwood.
How many games do the Leathernecks play in 2026?
Western Illinois plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 6 home games, and 6 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 Western Illinois schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Western Illinois schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Western Illinois football in 2026?
Western Illinois 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.
