The 2026 Mercer Bears football schedule is set. Mercer plays in the Southern Conference and runs a 12-game season. The Bears open August 29 vs East Texas A&M. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Mercer Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: Southern Conference (FCS)
- Home stadium: Five Star Stadium, Macon, GA
- Regular season: 12 games (6 home games, and 6 on the road)
- Conference games: 8
- Opener: August 29 vs East Texas A&M
- Finale: November 21 vs East Tennessee State
2026 Mercer Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | vs East Texas A&M | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | vs Presbyterian | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | vs Furman | Home | SoCon |
| Sept 19 | at Georgia Tech | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | at Abilene Christian | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 3 | at VMI | Away | SoCon |
| Oct 10 | vs Western Carolina | Home | SoCon |
| Oct 17 | at Samford | Away | SoCon |
| Oct 31 | vs The Citadel | Home | SoCon |
| Nov 7 | at Chattanooga | Away | SoCon |
| Nov 14 | at Tennessee Tech | Away | SoCon |
| Nov 21 | vs East Tennessee State | Home | SoCon |
Mercer opens the season August 29 vs East Texas A&M and closes the regular season November 21 vs East Tennessee State.
How the 2026 Mercer Season Sets Up
Mercer plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 4 non-conference dates and 8 Southern Conference games. The Bears play 6 home games, and 6 on the road.
Mercer, 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 Mercer in 2026
Mercer 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 Mercer open the 2026 season?
Mercer opens the 2026 season August 29 vs East Texas A&M. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 vs East Tennessee State.
How many games do the Bears play in 2026?
Mercer 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 Mercer schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Mercer schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Mercer football in 2026?
Mercer 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.
