The 2026 Maine Black Bears football schedule is set. Maine plays in the CAA, one of the deepest leagues in the FCS, and runs an eight-game conference schedule alongside its non-conference slate. The Black Bears open the season August 27 at Towson. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Maine Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: CAA (FCS)
- Home stadium: Alfond Stadium, Orono, ME
- Regular season: 12 games (6 home games, and 6 on the road)
- Conference games: 8
- Opener: August 27 at Towson
- Finale: November 21 vs New Hampshire
2026 Maine Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27 | at Towson | Away | CAA |
| Sept 5 | at Appalachian State | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | vs Merrimack | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | at Boston College | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | at Elon | Away | CAA |
| Oct 3 | vs Sacred Heart | Home | CAA |
| Oct 17 | vs Bryant | Home | CAA |
| Oct 24 | vs Campbell | Home | CAA |
| Oct 31 | at Rhode Island | Away | CAA |
| Nov 7 | vs Sacramento State | Home | Non-conference |
| Nov 14 | at UAlbany | Away | CAA |
| Nov 21 | vs New Hampshire | Home | CAA |
Maine opens the season August 27 at Towson and closes the regular season November 21 vs New Hampshire.
How the 2026 Maine Season Sets Up
Maine plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 4 non-conference dates plus the eight-game CAA schedule. The Black Bears play 6 home games, and 6 on the road. The non-conference slate includes FBS games against Appalachian State and Boston College.
Maine, the CAA Race, and the FCS Playoffs
The CAA champion earns the conference automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff, and the league is usually a multi-bid conference through at-large selections, so the top of the standings maps closely onto the national bracket. You can follow the full league picture on our 2026 CAA football schedule and standings page and print the postseason field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch Maine in 2026
Maine games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, along with CAA streaming 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 Maine open the 2026 season?
Maine opens the 2026 season August 27 at Towson. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 vs New Hampshire.
How many games do the Black Bears play in 2026?
Maine plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 6 home games, and 6 on the road, including 8 CAA conference games, ahead of the FCS playoffs.
Does the CAA champion make the FCS playoffs?
Yes. The CAA champion earns the conference automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff, and the CAA is usually a multi-bid league through at-large selections.
Is there a printable Maine schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Maine schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Maine football in 2026?
Maine games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, plus CAA streaming outlets. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed closer to gameday.
More 2026 FCS Coverage
Explore more: the 2026 CAA football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
