The South Atlantic Conference is gearing up for a competitive 2026 football campaign, featuring ten member institutions that promise a blend of tradition and fresh talent.
Newberry College entered the new season as the reigning 2025 champion, having secured the conference title with an 8‑1 record and earned a berth in the NCAA Division II playoffs.
The conference’s membership spans a diverse set of schools, including Anderson University, Carson‑Newman University, Catawba College, Emory & Henry University, Lenoir‑Rhyne University, Mars Hill University, Newberry College, Tusculum University, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, and Wingate University.
Key Storylines for 2026
Fans can circle several marquee matchups on their calendars, notably a showdown between Wingate and Carson‑Newman, a clash of Lenoir‑Rhyne and Wingate, and a rivalry game pitting Carson‑Newman against Emory & Henry.
Beyond the conference slate, the broader college football landscape saw Indiana capture the 2025 Division I‑FBS crown, Montana State win the Division I‑FCS title, Ferris State dominate Division II, and the University of Wisconsin‑River Falls lift the Division III trophy.
The upcoming schedule promises intense competition, and the conference’s strong postseason track record suggests that any of the ten programs could make a deep playoff run.