Samford Football Releases 2026 Schedule
By Steve Irvine
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - January 23, 2026
A unique season-opening venue and non-conference games against UAB and Auburn are among the highlights of Samford’s first season schedule under the leadership of head coach John Grass.
The season opens in North Alabama when the Bulldogs take on UNA at Huntsville’s Joe Davis Stadium. It will be the 14th meeting between the two teams but the first matchup since the 2002 season. UNA holds a 6-5-2 lead in the series.
“We are excited about the opportunity to open the 2026 season and the John Grass era at this great venue in Huntsville,” Samford athletic director Martin Newton said in a release. “Taking on a quality in-state opponent at a neutral site is a great way to kick off the season and we are thankful to the city of Huntsville and the Huntsville Sports Commission for this opportunity. We look forward to a great experience at Joe Davis Stadium on August 29.”
Samford and UAB will play on Oct. 3 at Protective Stadium. The only other time the schools played on the football field came in 1992 when Samford beat the Blazers, 49-3. Samford’s trip to Auburn comes on Nov. 21.
DATE OPPONENT
Aug. 29 vs. North Alabama%
Sept. 5 Southern Illinois
Sept. 12 at Tennessee Tech*
Sept. 26 VMI*
Oct. 3 at UAB
Oct. 10 at Chattanooga*
Oct. 17 Mercer*
Oct. 24 at Furman*
Oct. 31 Wofford*
Nov. 7 at ETSU*
Nov. 14 Western Carolina*
Nov. 21 at Auburn
+ - at Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville
- SoCon game