The 2026 Southern Illinois football schedule features 12 games, including 5 home dates at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois, plus 8 Missouri Valley Football Conference matchups. The Salukis open the season on the road at West Florida on Aug 27 and close the regular season on the road at North Dakota on Nov 21. Kickoff times and TV assignments are confirmed closer to each game, and most MVFC matchups stream on ESPN+.
2026 Southern Illinois Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27 | at West Florida | 6:00 PM | TBA |
| Sep 3 | at Samford | 6:00 PM | TBA |
| Sep 12 | vs SEMO | 6:00 PM | TBA |
| Sep 19 | at Illinois | 1:00 PM | TBA |
| Sep 26 | at Murray State (MVFC) | 6:00 PM | TBA |
| Oct 3 | vs Youngstown State (MVFC) | 4:00 PM | TBA |
| Oct 10 | at South Dakota (MVFC) | 1:00 PM | TBA |
| Oct 17 | vs Illinois State (MVFC) | TBA | TBA |
| Oct 24 | vs Northern Iowa (MVFC) | 1:00 PM | TBA |
| Nov 7 | at Indiana State (MVFC) | 6:00 PM | TBA |
| Nov 14 | vs South Dakota State (MVFC) | 1:00 PM | TBA |
| Nov 21 | at North Dakota (MVFC) | 1:00 PM | TBA |
Times are local and subject to change. Bold entries are confirmed opponents; kickoff times and TV assignments fill in closer to each game. MVFC marks Missouri Valley Football Conference games, most of which stream on ESPN+.
More 2026 FCS Resources
- 2026 FCS Football Schedule Hub
- 2026 MVFC Football Schedule and Standings Tracker
- 2026 FCS Playoff Bracket (printable)
2026 Southern Illinois Football FAQ
How many home games does Southern Illinois have in 2026?
Southern Illinois has 5 home games on the 2026 schedule, all played at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois.
Who does Southern Illinois open the 2026 season against?
Southern Illinois opens the 2026 season on the road at West Florida on Aug 27.
What conference is Southern Illinois in for 2026?
Southern Illinois plays in the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC), one of the strongest leagues in the FCS, with 8 conference games on the 2026 schedule.
Can Southern Illinois make the 2026 FCS playoffs?
Yes. The MVFC champion earns an automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff, and the conference regularly places multiple teams in the bracket as at-large selections.
Is there a printable Southern Illinois schedule?
Yes. A free printable Southern Illinois schedule PDF is available at the top of this page, with every 2026 opponent, date, and kickoff in one sheet.
