The 2026 football season will begin with a much‑anticipated home matchup for Lindenwood University, as the Lions host Charleston Southern University at Steward Field on a Saturday evening in June. The game, scheduled for 6:00 p.m., marks the first time the Lions have played on their own turf since the 2023 campaign, a hiatus that followed a 77‑9 rout of Wisconsin‑Stevens Point.
Lindenwood enters the contest with momentum from a record‑setting performance in 2025, when the offense exploded for 56 points in a single half — the highest opening‑half total in program history. That explosiveness helped the team average 24.8 points per game, good for third place in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Key contributors are set to return. Senior wide receiver Jalen Smith, who logged 40 catches for 771 yards and four touchdowns last season, will again be a deep‑threat weapon. Junior quarterback Pops Battle, who has yet to start a game, is slated to make his first career start, while the entire offensive line — five starters who combined for 69 career starts — returns intact.
Defensively, the Lions will rely on a unit that forced 14 fumbles in conference play, the second‑most in the league. Running backs Steve Hall and Jared Rhodes combined for 14 rushing touchdowns during the 2025 schedule, earning All‑Conference recognition for Hall and honorable‑mention status for Rhodes.
The coaching staff believes the blend of experience and fresh talent positions the team to chase a third straight home victory over Charleston Southern, a feat that would underscore the program’s resurgence. The defense’s ability to create turnovers and the offense’s balanced attack could prove decisive.
Season Outlook
Beyond the statistics, the game represents more than a win‑loss tally. It is a chance for the Lions to showcase the culture they have built over the past two seasons — one that emphasizes discipline, community involvement, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Fans and alumni have turned out in record numbers, eager to witness the Lions’ return to prominence. The stadium atmosphere is expected to be electric, with the university’s marching band and cheer squads preparing a series of traditions that have become hallmarks of game day.