The wait is finally over as HBCU programs across the country take the field for Week Zero of the 2026 college football season.
The opening slate features teams from the MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, SIAC and other HBCU conferences, with several intriguing matchups scheduled throughout the weekend.
From conference showdowns to nonconference tests, Week Zero gives fans an early look at some of the teams looking to make a run in 2026.
🏈 HBCU Week Zero Schedule
Thursday, Aug. 27
- Stony Brook at Delaware State — 7 p.m.
- Mississippi Valley State at Nicholls — 7 p.m.
- Bluefield State at Tusculum — 7 p.m.
- Barton at Virginia State — 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 28
- Virginia Union at Lenoir-Rhyne — 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 29
- Roosevelt at Chicago State — 1 p.m.
- Kentucky State at Central State — 1 p.m.
- Fort Valley State at Elizabeth City State — 1 p.m.
- Southern vs. Alabama State — 3 p.m.
- Johnson C. Smith at Benedict — 5 p.m.
- Florida Memorial at Edward Waters — 6 p.m.
- Miles at Alcorn State — 7 p.m.
- Morehouse vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff — 7 p.m.
- Jackson State vs. Tennessee State
- North Carolina Central at Texas Southern
- Morgan State vs. North Carolina A&T
- Savannah State at South Carolina State
- Prairie View A&M at Tarleton State
- Winston-Salem State vs. Norfolk State
- Shaw vs. Fayetteville State
- Allen vs. Livingstone
- Virginia-Lynchburg at Hampton
Sunday, Aug. 30
- Tuskegee at West Alabama
All times listed are Eastern and subject to change.
The Season Starts Now
After months of offseason workouts, roster moves, transfers and preseason predictions, HBCU football is finally ready to return.
Week Zero offers plenty of storylines and an opportunity for programs to make an early statement. With conference races, rivalry games and postseason aspirations ahead, every Saturday will bring another chapter to the 2026 HBCU football season.
For HBCU football fans, the wait is officially over.
Kickoff is here. 😤🏈🔥
Which Week Zero matchup are you watching first?
