The 2026 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions football schedule is set, and UAPB opens the year in Little Rock before a Week 2 guarantee game at SEC member Missouri. The Golden Lions play out of the SWAC West and run an eight-game conference schedule across the Deep South and Texas. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: SWAC, West Division (FCS)
- Home stadium: Simmons Bank Field, Pine Bluff, AR
- Regular season: 11 games (four home games, five on the road, and two neutral-site contests)
- Conference games: 8
- Opener: August 29 vs Morehouse in Little Rock
- Finale: November 21 at Texas Southern
2026 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | vs Morehouse | Neutral | Non-conference |
| Sept 3 | at Missouri | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | vs Alcorn State | Neutral | SWAC |
| Sept 19 | vs Central State | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | Bye Week | ||
| Oct 3 | at Southern | Away | SWAC |
| Oct 10 | Bye Week | ||
| Oct 17 | vs Alabama State | Home | SWAC |
| Oct 24 | at Florida A&M | Away | SWAC |
| Oct 31 | vs Bethune-Cookman | Home | SWAC |
| Nov 7 | at Grambling State | Away | SWAC |
| Nov 14 | vs Prairie View A&M | Home | SWAC |
| Nov 21 | at Texas Southern | Away | SWAC |
The Golden Lions open SWAC play September 12 against Alcorn State in Memphis and close the regular season November 21 at Texas Southern. The home finale is November 14 against Prairie View A&M in Pine Bluff.
How the 2026 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Season Sets Up
Arkansas-Pine Bluff plays an 11-game regular season: three non-conference dates plus the eight-game SWAC slate, with byes on September 26 and October 10 to break up conference play. The Golden Lions open at a neutral site against Morehouse, cash a road trip to FBS Missouri on September 3, and host Central State before SWAC play takes over. UAPB gets four true home games at Simmons Bank Field.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff, the SWAC Race, and the Celebration Bowl
The SWAC does not enter the 24-team FCS playoff. Instead, the SWAC East and West division winners meet in the SWAC Championship Game in December, and the league champion advances to the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta to face the MEAC champion. Arkansas-Pine Bluff competes in the SWAC West Division, so its path starts with winning the division. You can follow the full league picture on our 2026 SWAC football schedule and standings page.
How to Watch Arkansas-Pine Bluff in 2026
Arkansas-Pine Bluff games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, along with SWAC streaming and select ESPN networks. 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 Arkansas-Pine Bluff open the 2026 season?
Arkansas-Pine Bluff opens the 2026 season August 29 vs Morehouse in Little Rock. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 at Texas Southern.
How many games do the Golden Lions play in 2026?
Arkansas-Pine Bluff plays a 11-game regular season in 2026: four home games, five on the road, and two neutral-site contests, including 8 SWAC conference games.
Does the SWAC champion make the FCS playoffs?
No. Unlike most FCS conferences, the SWAC does not send its champion to the 24-team FCS playoff. The SWAC East and West division winners meet in the SWAC Championship Game, and the league champion plays in the Cricket Celebration Bowl in Atlanta against the MEAC champion.
Is there a printable Arkansas-Pine Bluff schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Arkansas-Pine Bluff schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Arkansas-Pine Bluff football in 2026?
Arkansas-Pine Bluff games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, plus SWAC streaming outlets and select ESPN networks. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed closer to gameday.
More 2026 FCS Coverage
Explore more: the 2026 SWAC football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
