The 2026 Youngstown State football schedule features 11 games, including 6 home dates at Stambaugh Stadium in Youngstown, Ohio, plus 8 Missouri Valley Football Conference matchups. The Penguins open the season at home against Mercyhurst on Aug 27 and close the regular season at home against Illinois State on Nov 14. Kickoff times and TV assignments are confirmed closer to each game, and most MVFC games stream on ESPN+.
2026 Youngstown State Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27 | vs Mercyhurst | 6:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Sep 6 | at Kentucky | TBA | ESPN+ |
| Sep 12 | vs Duquesne | 2:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Sep 19 | at South Dakota State (MVFC) | 7:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Sep 26 | vs South Dakota (MVFC) | 2:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Oct 3 | at Southern Illinois (MVFC) | TBA | ESPN+ |
| Oct 10 | at Indiana State (MVFC) | 2:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Oct 17 | vs Northern Iowa (MVFC) | 6:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Oct 31 | vs North Dakota (MVFC) | 12:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Nov 7 | at Murray State (MVFC) | TBA | ESPN+ |
| Nov 14 | vs Illinois State (MVFC) | 12:00 PM | ESPN+ |
Times are local and subject to change. 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 Youngstown State Football FAQ
How many home games does Youngstown State have in 2026?
Youngstown State has 6 home games on the 2026 schedule, all played at Stambaugh Stadium in Youngstown, Ohio.
Who does Youngstown State open the 2026 season against?
Youngstown State opens the 2026 season at home against Mercyhurst on Aug 27.
What conference is Youngstown State in for 2026?
Youngstown State plays in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, one of the top leagues in the FCS, with 8 conference games on the 2026 schedule.
Can Youngstown State make the 2026 FCS playoffs?
Yes. The Missouri Valley Football Conference champion earns an automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff, and the league regularly places teams in the bracket as at-large selections.
Is there a printable Youngstown State schedule?
Yes. A free printable Youngstown State schedule PDF is available at the top of this page, with every 2026 opponent, date, and kickoff in one sheet.
