The 2026 East Tennessee State Buccaneers football schedule is set. East Tennessee State plays in the Southern Conference and runs a 12-game season. The Buccaneers open August 29 vs Campbell. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 East Tennessee State Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: Southern Conference (FCS)
- Home stadium: William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, Johnson City, TN
- Regular season: 12 games (6 home games, and 6 on the road)
- Conference games: 8
- Opener: August 29 vs Campbell
- Finale: November 21 at Mercer
2026 East Tennessee State Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | vs Campbell | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | at North Dakota State | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | at North Carolina | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | vs West Georgia | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | vs Western Carolina | Home | SoCon |
| Oct 3 | vs Chattanooga | Home | SoCon |
| Oct 10 | at The Citadel | Away | SoCon |
| Oct 24 | at VMI | Away | SoCon |
| Oct 31 | vs Tennessee Tech | Home | SoCon |
| Nov 7 | vs Samford | Home | SoCon |
| Nov 14 | at Wofford | Away | SoCon |
| Nov 21 | at Mercer | Away | SoCon |
East Tennessee State opens the season August 29 vs Campbell and closes the regular season November 21 at Mercer.
How the 2026 East Tennessee State Season Sets Up
East Tennessee State plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 4 non-conference dates and 8 Southern Conference games. The Buccaneers play 6 home games, and 6 on the road.
East Tennessee State, the Southern Conference Race, and the FCS Playoffs
The Southern Conference champion earns the league automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff bracket, so the conference race doubles as a playoff race. Follow the standings on our 2026 Southern Conference football schedule and standings page and print the field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch East Tennessee State in 2026
East Tennessee State games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks and regional 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 East Tennessee State open the 2026 season?
East Tennessee State opens the 2026 season August 29 vs Campbell. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 at Mercer.
How many games do the Buccaneers play in 2026?
East Tennessee State plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 6 home games, and 6 on the road, including 8 Southern Conference games.
Does the Southern Conference champion make the FCS playoffs?
Yes. The Southern Conference champion earns the conference automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff bracket. Other Southern Conference teams can also earn at-large selections in a strong year.
Is there a printable East Tennessee State schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 East Tennessee State schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch East Tennessee State football in 2026?
East Tennessee State games are carried across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, with select games on ESPN networks and regional outlets. Exact network and kickoff time for each game are confirmed closer to gameday.
More 2026 FCS Coverage
Explore more: the 2026 Southern Conference football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
