The University of Pennsylvania football program has unveiled its 2026 schedule, a landmark release that commemorates the 150th anniversary of Penn football. The announcement underscores the team's ambition to honor its storied past while forging a new legacy over the upcoming campaign.
A Milestone Season
Head Coach Rick Santos expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming schedule, emphasizing the blend of tradition and fresh challenges that lie ahead. His remarks reflect a commitment to preserving the program's heritage while pursuing new achievements on the field.
The season will open on the road against Bucknell on September 19, 2026, setting the tone for a demanding slate that includes matchups across the nation.
A highly anticipated home game against Lehigh is slated for September 26 at Franklin Field, offering fans a chance to experience the historic rivalry in front of a home crowd.
The first Ivy League contest arrives on October 3 when Penn travels to Dartmouth, marking the start of conference play for the Quakers.
October 10 will see the program's inaugural meeting with Howard, a new opponent that promises to add another chapter to Penn's evolving schedule.
Home games against Columbia on October 17 and Yale on October 24 will provide additional opportunities for the team to showcase its growth before the Halloween road battle at Brown on October 31.
The traditional rivalry with Cornell will resume for the Trustees' Cup, one of the nation's longest‑standing trophies, adding extra significance to that contest.
Homecoming festivities will culminate with a showdown against Harvard on November 14, a game that traditionally draws large crowds and campuswide excitement.
The regular season will close on November 21 with a road game at Princeton, rounding out a schedule that blends historic rivalries, new challenges, and celebratory moments.