A schedule built for competition and pageantry
Coastal Carolina University has released its full 2026 football schedule, a 12‑game lineup that blends home‑field advantage with a demanding non‑conference slate. Head coach Ryan Beard said the slate was crafted to test the team while giving fans a reason to mark their calendars for a series of themed contests.
The Chanticleers will play six home games at Brooks Stadium, each paired with a special event. The season opener at West Virginia on Sept. 5 will be followed by a home opener against Fordham on Sept. 12, which will feature a Beach Bash and a White Out theme. Later in the year, the team will host Liberty on Sept. 24 for a nationally televised Thursday night game, and close the regular season with back‑to‑back road trips to Louisiana and James Madison in late November.
Two of the games will be broadcast on ESPN networks, including a Thursday night showdown against Liberty and a Friday night clash with Appalachian State. Both matchups are expected to draw national attention and test the team against strong non‑conference opponents.
Sun Belt Conference play begins on Oct. 3 with a home game against Georgia Southern. The schedule then takes the team on the road to Marshall on Oct. 10 before hosting Appalachian State on Oct. 16 for another nationally televised Friday night contest. The annual Homecoming game will be against Old Dominion on Nov. 7, this year themed as a Black Out, while Senior Day on Nov. 14 will honor the graduating class and veterans with a Salute to Service ceremony.
The season will wrap up with consecutive road games at Louisiana on Nov. 21 and at James Madison on Nov. 28, providing a final test before the offseason. Throughout the year, the Chanticleers will face a mix of Sun Belt rivals and high‑profile non‑conference foes, setting the stage for a competitive campaign that promises excitement for players and fans alike.