If you’ve spent any time around the Atlanta University Center lately, you know the vibe is shifting. People aren't just talking about the band or homecoming outfits anymore; they're actually looking at the win-loss column. For a long time, let's be honest, being a Panthers fan required a lot of patience. But the clark atlanta football schedule is no longer just a list of dates to plan your tailgates around—it’s becoming a serious roadmap for a program trying to find its soul again.
Things just got a massive jolt of electricity. Just yesterday, on January 16, 2026, the university dropped some huge news: Terry Sims is the new head coach. If that name sounds familiar, it should. He spent seven years at Bethune-Cookman and knows the HBCU landscape like the back of his hand.
Sims is stepping into a situation that is, well, complicated. The 2025 season was a wild ride that ended with a 3-7 record, but those numbers don't tell the whole story. They beat Morehouse in a 48-45 thriller to end the year. That kind of momentum matters when you're looking at what comes next.
The Reality of the 2025 Campaign
Before we look at the upcoming 2026 slate, we have to look at what just happened. The 2025 clark atlanta football schedule was a gauntlet. It started with a heartbreaker against Valdosta State at Legion Field—a 31-28 loss that showed this team could actually compete with the big dogs.
Then came the highs. A win against Florida Memorial. A solid 26-21 victory over Fort Valley State on a Thursday night under the lights. It felt like the Panthers were finally turning a corner. But then the mid-season slump hit hard. Road trips to Albany State and Miles College were rough, and the defense seemed to leak points faster than they could score them.
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Honestly, the Edward Waters game (a 55-41 loss) was a tough pill to swallow for the homecoming crowd. But then, the finale. The Battle of the AUC. November 8, 2025. Beating Morehouse by three points in a high-scoring shootout? That’s the kind of game that keeps boosters happy and recruits interested during the off-season.
Breaking Down the 2026 Outlook
While the official 2026 dates usually firm up in late spring, we already know the rhythm of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). With Terry Sims taking over from Teddy Keaton, the 2026 clark atlanta football schedule is going to be his first real test.
You can bet the usual suspects will be there. We’re looking at the standard SIAC clashes that define the season:
- The Classic Openers: Expect another high-profile non-conference game to start. The Panthers have shown they aren't afraid to travel to Birmingham or other neutral sites to get the season rolling.
- The SIAC Core: Games against Fort Valley State, Albany State, and Benedict are the bread and butter. Benedict has been a powerhouse lately, so that’s a date every Panther fan circles in red.
- Homecoming 2026: This is the undisputed crown jewel of the schedule. If you haven't booked your hotel yet, you're already late. It's more than a game; it's a family reunion that just happens to have a football game in the middle of it.
- The Morehouse Finale: This tradition is likely staying right where it belongs at the end of the season. It’s the "Battle of the Big Cats," and after the 48-45 thriller last year, the rematch is going to be personal.
Coach Sims brings a 38-39 career record and a reputation as a defensive specialist. That’s exactly what CAU needs. Last year, the team gave up over 40 points in several games. You can't win a championship if your defense is a revolving door.
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What Fans Actually Care About
Let's talk logistics. If you're looking for tickets, CAU has been doing this "Red Carpet" season pass thing lately. It’s usually the best bang for your buck if you plan on hitting more than two home games. General admission usually hovers around $25 to $30, but prices definitely spike for Homecoming and the Morehouse game.
The stadium experience at CAU Panther Stadium is unique. It's intimate. You’re right on top of the action. But if you’re heading to an away game—say, down to Savannah State or over to South Carolina for the Allen University matchup—check the venue. Sometimes these games move to local high school stadiums or larger neutral sites depending on the expected crowd.
Why the Coaching Change Matters Now
Terry Sims isn't a "project" coach. He’s a "win now" guy. He won back-to-back MEAC titles at Bethune-Cookman. He’s beaten Florida A&M five times in a row. He knows how to handle the pressure of big-time HBCU rivalries.
The transition from Teddy Keaton to Sims suggests that the athletic department, led by Dr. Jerel Drew, is tired of being a "scrappy underdog." They want to be at the top of the SIAC. This change happened fast—Keaton was let go in December, and Sims was announced in mid-January. That tells you the school didn't want to waste a single day of the recruiting cycle.
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Navigating the SIAC Landscape
The SIAC isn't what it used to be ten years ago. It’s deeper. Miles College and Albany State are perennial threats. Benedict has turned into a regional juggernaut. For Clark Atlanta to move up, they have to win those "toss-up" games.
Think back to the Kentucky State game last November. A 43-28 loss. Those are the games Sims has to flip. If Clark Atlanta can tighten up the secondary and find a consistent rhythm in the run game, that 3-7 record could easily swing to 6-4 or 7-3.
Actionable Steps for Panthers Fans
If you're following the clark atlanta football schedule for the 2026 season, here is how you stay ahead of the curve:
- Mark January 22 on your calendar. That’s the official press conference for Coach Terry Sims at Epps Gymnasium. If you want to hear the vision straight from the source, that’s the place to be.
- Watch the Transfer Portal. With a new coach comes a new roster. Sims will likely bring in some guys he knows from his previous stops or hit the portal hard to fix that defense.
- Check the SIAC Official Site in April. That’s usually when the full, finalized conference schedule with times and TV designations (often on ESPN+ or ESPNU) gets released.
- Secure Homecoming Tickets Early. Do not wait until October. The 2025 homecoming was packed, and with the new coach hype, 2026 will be even bigger.
The schedule is more than just dates. It's the pulse of the university. Whether the Panthers are playing in the sunshine of early September or the crisp air of a November rivalry, the goal remains the same: reclaiming the pride of West End. Under Terry Sims, that road starts right now.