The Nicholls State University football program has released its 2026 home game kickoff schedule, outlining a slate that begins with a Week 0 contest on August 27 and culminates with the Homecoming showdown in November.
2026 Home Schedule Overview
The opening game will be played on Thursday, August 27, at 6 p.m., when the Colonels travel to face Mississippi Valley State in a matchup that marks the start of the season.
The first home appearance is set for Saturday, September 12, also at 6 p.m., giving fans a chance to see the team in front of a home crowd for the first time that year.
Following that, the next three home contests are slated to begin at 3 p.m., providing a mid‑afternoon tradition that the university has embraced in recent seasons.
The schedule lists Lamar on September 26, Stephen F. Austin on October 17, and a later contest yet to be detailed, each slotted into the afternoon window.
Key Home Games
Homecoming will take place on November 7 against East Texas A&M, while the annual River Bell Classic against Southeastern is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, a night game that traditionally draws a large crowd.
Across the season, the Colonels will also hit the road for six away games, with kickoff times for all but one of those contests already confirmed.
Coaching Perspective
Coach Tommy Rybacki said the announced times reflect a balance between fan convenience and competitive preparation, and he looks forward to seeing the team respond to the varied challenges.