The 2026 Nicholls Colonels football schedule is set. Nicholls plays in the Southland Conference and runs a 12-game season. The Colonels open August 27 vs Mississippi Valley State. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 Nicholls Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: Southland Conference (FCS)
- Home stadium: John L. Guidry Stadium, Thibodaux, LA
- Regular season: 12 games (6 home games, and 6 on the road)
- Conference games: 9
- Opener: August 27 vs Mississippi Valley State
- Finale: November 19 vs Southeastern Louisiana
2026 Nicholls Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 27 | vs Mississippi Valley State | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | at Kansas State | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | vs UTRGV | Home | Southland |
| Sept 19 | at Sam Houston | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 26 | vs Lamar | Home | Southland |
| Oct 3 | at Houston Christian | Away | Southland |
| Oct 17 | vs Stephen F. Austin | Home | Southland |
| Oct 24 | at Northwestern State | Away | Southland |
| Oct 31 | at McNeese | Away | Southland |
| Nov 7 | vs East Texas A&M | Home | Southland |
| Nov 14 | at Incarnate Word | Away | Southland |
| Nov 19 | vs Southeastern Louisiana | Home | Southland |
Nicholls opens the season August 27 vs Mississippi Valley State and closes the regular season November 19 vs Southeastern Louisiana.
How the 2026 Nicholls Season Sets Up
Nicholls plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 3 non-conference dates and 9 Southland Conference games. The Colonels play 6 home games, and 6 on the road.
Nicholls, the Southland Conference Race, and the FCS Playoffs
The Southland 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 Southland Conference football schedule and standings page and print the field with the 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
How to Watch Nicholls in 2026
Nicholls 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 Nicholls open the 2026 season?
Nicholls opens the 2026 season August 27 vs Mississippi Valley State. The regular season runs through the finale November 19 vs Southeastern Louisiana.
How many games do the Colonels play in 2026?
Nicholls plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 6 home games, and 6 on the road, including 9 Southland Conference games.
Does the Southland Conference champion make the FCS playoffs?
Yes. The Southland Conference champion earns the conference automatic bid into the 24-team FCS playoff bracket. Other Southland Conference teams can also earn at-large selections in a strong year.
Is there a printable Nicholls schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 Nicholls schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch Nicholls football in 2026?
Nicholls 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 Southland Conference football schedule and standings, the 2026 FCS football schedule and conference guide, and the printable 2026 FCS playoff bracket.
