The 2026 UTRGV Vaqueros football schedule is set. UTRGV plays in the Southland Conference and runs a 12-game season. The Vaqueros open August 29 vs UT Permian Basin. Below is the complete 2026 schedule, a free printable one-pager, and how the season sets up.
2026 UTRGV Football: Quick Facts
Last updated: August 10, 2026
- Conference: Southland Conference (FCS)
- Home stadium: Robert and Janet Vackar Stadium, Edinburg, TX
- Regular season: 12 games (5 home games, and 7 on the road)
- Conference games: 9
- Opener: August 29 vs UT Permian Basin
- Finale: November 21 at Houston Christian
2026 UTRGV Football Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Site | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 29 | vs UT Permian Basin | Home | Non-conference |
| Sept 5 | at UTSA | Away | Non-conference |
| Sept 12 | at Nicholls | Away | Southland |
| Sept 19 | vs McNeese | Home | Southland |
| Oct 3 | at East Texas A&M | Away | Southland |
| Oct 10 | vs Southeastern Louisiana | Home | Southland |
| Oct 17 | at Incarnate Word | Away | Southland |
| Oct 24 | at Central Arkansas | Away | Non-conference |
| Oct 31 | vs Lamar | Home | Southland |
| Nov 7 | at Northwestern State | Away | Southland |
| Nov 14 | vs Stephen F. Austin | Home | Southland |
| Nov 21 | at Houston Christian | Away | Southland |
UTRGV opens the season August 29 vs UT Permian Basin and closes the regular season November 21 at Houston Christian.
How the 2026 UTRGV Season Sets Up
UTRGV plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 3 non-conference dates and 9 Southland Conference games. The Vaqueros play 5 home games, and 7 on the road.
UTRGV, 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 UTRGV in 2026
UTRGV 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 UTRGV open the 2026 season?
UTRGV opens the 2026 season August 29 vs UT Permian Basin. The regular season runs through the finale November 21 at Houston Christian.
How many games do the Vaqueros play in 2026?
UTRGV plays a 12-game regular season in 2026: 5 home games, and 7 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 UTRGV schedule?
Yes. A free printable PDF of the full 2026 UTRGV schedule is available above, with every date, opponent, and a blank column to fill in results.
How can I watch UTRGV football in 2026?
UTRGV 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.
