The 2026 VMI Keydets football schedule is set. VMI plays in the Southern Conference and runs a 12-game season. The Keydets open August 29 at Idaho State. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 VMI Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: Southern Conference (FCS)
- Home stadium: Foster Stadium, Lexington, VA
- Regular season: 12 games (5 home games, and 7 on the road)
- Conference games: 8
- Opener: August 29 at Idaho State
- Finale: November 21 vs Furman
2026 VMI Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | at Idaho State | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | at Virginia Tech | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | vs Bucknell | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 19 | at Davidson | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | at Samford | Away | SoCon |
| Oct 3 | vs Mercer | Home | SoCon |
| Oct 17 | at Wofford | Away | SoCon |
| Oct 24 | vs East Tennessee State | Home | SoCon |
| Oct 31 | at Chattanooga | Away | SoCon |
| Nov 7 | at Tennessee Tech | Away | SoCon |
| Nov 14 | vs The Citadel | Home | SoCon |
| Nov 21 | vs Furman | Home | SoCon |
VMI opens the season August 29 at Idaho State and closes the regular season November 21 vs Furman.
How the 2026 VMI Season Sets Up
VMI plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 4 non-conference dates and 8 Southern Conference games. The Keydets play 5 home games, and 7 on the road.
VMI, 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 VMI in 2026
VMI 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 VMI open the 2026 season?
VMI opens the 2026 season August 29 at Idaho State. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 vs Furman.
How many games do the Keydets play in 2026?
VMI plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 5 home games, and 7 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 VMI schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 VMI schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch VMI football in 2026?
VMI 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.
