The 2026 Columbia Lions football schedule is set. Columbia plays in the Ivy League and runs a 10-game season. The Lions open September 19 vs Lafayette. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Columbia Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: Ivy League (FCS)
- Home stadium: Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium, New York, NY
- Regular season: 10 games (5 home games, and 5 on the road)
- Conference games: 7
- Opener: September 19 vs Lafayette
- Finale: November 21 vs Cornell
2026 Columbia Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 19 | vs Lafayette | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | at Georgetown | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 3 | vs Princeton | Home | Ivy |
| Oct 10 | at Marist | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 17 | at Penn | Away | Ivy |
| Oct 24 | vs Dartmouth | Home | Ivy |
| Oct 31 | vs Yale | Home | Ivy |
| Nov 7 | at Harvard | Away | Ivy |
| Nov 14 | at Brown | Away | Ivy |
| Nov 21 | vs Cornell | Home | Ivy |
Columbia opens the season September 19 vs Lafayette and closes the regular season November 21 vs Cornell.
How the 2026 Columbia Season Sets Up
Columbia plays a 10-game regular season in 2026: 3 non-conference dates and 7 Ivy League games. The Lions play 5 home games, and 5 on the road. Columbia opens Ivy play October 3 against Princeton and closes at home against Cornell on November 21.
Columbia, the Ivy Race, and the FCS Playoffs
The Ivy League returned to the FCS playoffs in 2025 after decades on the sideline, so the Ivy champion now earns the league automatic bid into the 24-team bracket, with strong teams in the at-large mix as well. Follow the full title race on our 2026 Ivy League football schedule and standings page and print the field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch Columbia in 2026
Columbia games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on 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 Columbia open the 2026 season?
Columbia opens the 2026 season September 19 vs Lafayette. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 vs Cornell.
How many games do the Lions play in 2026?
Columbia plays a 10-game regular season in 2026: 5 home games, and 5 on the road, including 7 Ivy League games.
Does the Ivy League champion make the FCS playoffs?
Yes. The Ivy League rejoined the FCS playoffs in 2025 after a long absence, and the Ivy champion earns the conference automatic bid into the 24-team bracket. Other Ivy teams can also earn at-large selections.
Is there a printable Columbia schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Columbia schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Columbia football in 2026?
Columbia games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed closer to gameday.
More 2026 FCS Coverage
Explore more: the 2026 Ivy League football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
