Maine Black Bears Open 2026 Season with CAA Clash Against Towson
The University of Maine football team will kick off its 2026 campaign on Thursday, August 27, when it travels to face Towson in the first Colonial Athletic Association matchup of the season. The game will be streamed live on FloCollege and FloSports Channel on Prime Video, while listeners can tune in on 92.9 FM The Ticket in Bangor, 100.5 FM and 1310 AM in Portland for the radio broadcast. Head coach Jordan Stevens, who took the helm in 2021, will be making his inaugural CAA start, a milestone that comes after a 6‑6 finish in 2025 that featured a six‑game winning streak following an early setback. Maine’s defense, which topped the CAA last year by limiting opponents to just 325.1 yards per game and 37 touchdowns, returns most of its key contributors and will be a cornerstone of the team's identity. On offense, the Black Bears bring back four of the five starters along the line, including All‑CAA selection Anthony Iliano, providing continuity for a unit that aims to build on its strong ground game. Redshirt sophomore Eddie Buehler is slated to start at quarterback for the first time in two seasons, giving the team a fresh arm to complement a rushing attack led by Rashawn Marshall, who amassed 831 all‑purpose yards and five touchdowns in 2025. The matchup also marks the first CAA meeting for Stevens and the first visit to Towson since 2018, when Maine secured a 35‑28 victory, adding a narrative of redemption to the upcoming contest. Fans can expect a lively atmosphere as the Black Bears look to translate their defensive dominance and balanced offense into a season‑opening win.
