The 2026 Rhode Island Rams football schedule is set. Rhode Island 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 Rams open the season August 28 at Merrimack. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Rhode Island Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: CAA (FCS)
- Home stadium: Meade Stadium, Kingston, RI
- Regular season: 12 games (5 home games, and 7 on the road)
- Conference games: 8
- Opener: August 28 at Merrimack
- Finale: November 21 at Bryant
2026 Rhode Island Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 28 | at Merrimack | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | at Temple | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | vs Elon | Home | CAA |
| Sept 19 | at Stony Brook | Away | CAA |
| Sept 26 | at North Carolina A&T | Away | CAA |
| Oct 3 | vs Brown | Home | Non-conference |
| Oct 17 | at Yale | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 24 | vs UAlbany | Home | CAA |
| Oct 31 | vs Maine | Home | CAA |
| Nov 7 | at New Hampshire | Away | CAA |
| Nov 14 | vs Towson | Home | CAA |
| Nov 21 | at Bryant | Away | CAA |
Rhode Island opens the season August 28 at Merrimack and closes the regular season November 21 at Bryant.
How the 2026 Rhode Island Season Sets Up
Rhode Island plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 4 non-conference dates plus the eight-game CAA schedule. The Rams play 5 home games, and 7 on the road. The non-conference slate includes an FBS date at Temple.
Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island in 2026
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island open the 2026 season?
Rhode Island opens the 2026 season August 28 at Merrimack. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 at Bryant.
How many games do the Rams play in 2026?
Rhode Island plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 5 home games, and 7 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 Rhode Island schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Rhode Island schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Rhode Island football in 2026?
Rhode Island 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.
