Gardner‑Webb's men's soccer program has released its complete 2026 schedule, a 16‑match lineup that opens with preseason exhibitions before the regular season officially begins.
The first exhibition will take place on August 8 against Spartanburg Methodist, followed by a home clash with Wofford on August 20 that marks the start of the regular season.
Key non‑conference matchups
While the bulk of the slate remains inside the Big South Conference, the Bulldogs will test themselves against teams from the ACC, Sun Belt and Southern Conference, including matches against Coastal Carolina, Radford and Longwood in September and October.
The regular season will wrap up on October 31 with a home game versus Presbyterian, a contest that could influence seeding for the conference tournament.
The Big South Championship is slated to begin on November 4, after which the team will turn its focus to the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship, opening on November 19.
The road to the national title leads to Cary, North Carolina, where the College Cup will be contested on December 11 and December 14.
Athletic officials said the schedule was designed to provide a balanced mix of home and away contests, exposing the team to a variety of playing styles as it prepares for postseason competition.