Prairie View A&M Athletics has unveiled the full slate of kickoff times for the 2026 football season, a schedule that blends early‑season road tests with a string of home games that fans have been eagerly anticipating.
The campaign opens on the road at Tarleton State on August 29, with the contest slated to begin at 8 p.m., setting a high‑energy tone for the months ahead.
A week later the Panthers will host Texas Southern for the home opener, kicking off at 11 a.m. on September 6, a slot chosen to capture families and alumni gathering for the start of the season.
Later in September, the team will welcome Stephen F. Austin on September 19 at 7 p.m., followed by the annual State Fair Classic showdown against Grambling State on September 26 at 6 p.m. in Dallas, a neutral‑site attraction that draws huge crowds from across the state.
Conference play will take the Panthers on the road to face Mississippi Valley State, East Texas A&M, Arkansas‑Pine Bluff and Alabama State, while home SWAC matchups against Southern, Alcorn State and Alabama A&M are all set for 2 p.m. starts, a traditional time slot that has become a staple for the university’s Saturday afternoons.
Head coach Tremaine Jackson expressed confidence that the schedule’s mix of competitive opponents and home‑field advantages will give the team the momentum needed to chase another SWAC championship, building on the momentum generated by last year’s successful campaign.
Coach Jackson’s Vision
Jackson emphasized that the blend of tradition‑rich matchups and strategic kickoff times is designed to maximize fan engagement and give the team a competitive edge as they aim to repeat as SWAC champions.