Vanderbilt Reveals 2026 Kickoff Slate
On May 27, Vanderbilt University unveiled the television and kickoff windows for the first three games of the 2026 season, marking the earliest schedule release in recent memory. The Commodores will open against Austin Peay on September 5, travel to face Delaware on September 12, and host North Carolina State on September 19, each slated for a distinct time slot across the SEC Network family.
The Austin Peay contest is set for a 6 p.m. Central Time start on the SEC Network+, while the Delaware game will air at 3:15 p.m. CT on the main SEC Network. The NC State matchup follows at 11:45 a.m. CT, also on the SEC Network. All three dates fall within a narrow window of early September, giving fans a concentrated burst of early‑season action.
Vanderbilt has promised to announce the remaining game‑time windows on June 10, a date that will flesh out the rest of the schedule and clarify television assignments for later contests.
Looking ahead, the Commodores’ opponents bring a mix of recent success and transition. Austin Peay finished 2025 at 7‑5, dropping a 28‑6 decision to Georgia, while Delaware, in its inaugural FBS season, posted a 7‑6 record and capped the year with a victory in the 68 Ventures Bowl over Louisiana. North Carolina State closed 2025 at 8‑5, highlighted by wins over Georgia Tech, Virginia, Florida State, and a rivalry triumph over North Carolina.
Vanderbilt’s own 2025 campaign was historic, delivering the program’s first ten‑win season and finishing 10‑3 with signature victories over Tennessee, LSU, Missouri and Auburn. The momentum carried into the offseason, where Heisman runner‑up Diego Pavia signed with the Baltimore Ravens, prompting the Commodores to turn to five‑star freshman quarterback Jared Curtis to lead the offense.
The early schedule not only sets the stage for a competitive start but also underscores the SEC’s expanding footprint, with games broadcast across its network platforms and anchored in venues ranging from Nashville’s FirstBank Stadium to the broader regional footprint of the conference’s partners.