So, you're looking at the eastern kentucky university football schedule and trying to make sense of the chaos. I get it. College football realignment has basically turned every Saturday into a geography lesson you didn't ask for. One minute EKU is playing teams in the Ohio Valley, and the next, they're flying out to Utah or Texas. Honestly, keeping up with the Colonels requires a spreadsheet and a very strong cup of coffee these days.
But let's cut through the noise.
Eastern Kentucky is in a weirdly exciting spot right now. After a 5-7 finish in 2025 that felt like a bit of a rollercoaster, the program is heading into 2026 with a massive chip on its shoulder. They aren't just playing for pride anymore; they're playing in a rebranded United Athletic Conference (UAC) that’s finally settling into its own skin.
The 2026 Grind: Breaking Down the Games
If you're a fan who lives for those crisp autumn afternoons at Roy Kidd Stadium, the eastern kentucky university football schedule for 2026 has some bangers. But you’ve gotta be prepared for the road trips too.
The season starts with a heavy dose of travel. EKU opens up on August 29 against Western Carolina. It’s a classic regional showdown, but playing in Cullowhee is never exactly a "gimme." Then they head to Jacksonville State on September 5. Remember when JSU was the big rival in the OVC? That history hasn’t faded, even if the conferences have.
🔗 Read more: Inter Miami vs Toronto: What Really Happened in Their Recent Clashes
Here is the thing about the 2026 conference slate: it's leaner. With Southern Utah and Utah Tech bouncing over to the Big Sky, the UAC is down to seven teams. That means every single conference game carries twice the weight. There is zero room for a "bad Saturday."
Home Stands at Roy Kidd Stadium
The "Kidd" is going to be rocking in October. Seriously, if you haven't been to a game since they finished the construction around Alumni Coliseum, it feels different.
- October 3 vs. North Alabama: This is the UAC opener. Historically, EKU has had the Lions' number, but UNA has been recruiting like crazy.
- October 10 vs. West Georgia: Back-to-back home games are a luxury. Expect this one to be high-scoring.
- November 14 vs. Central Arkansas: This is usually the game of the year. The Bears and Colonels have a way of ending up in one-score games that take years off your life.
The Road Warriors
November is looking brutal. The Colonels have to head to Stephenville, Texas, to play Tarleton State on Halloween. That’s a long flight for a game against a team that’s been a top-tier FCS powerhouse lately. Then they follow it up with a trip to Austin Peay on November 7. Clarksville is always a hostile environment for EKU. It’s basically a backyard brawl with higher stakes.
Why This Schedule Is Different
Most people look at a football schedule and just see dates. But if you’ve been following Walt Wells, you know he schedules "up." He wants the FBS checks, sure, but he also wants his guys to see what that level looks like. The 2026 non-conference slate is built on that philosophy.
💡 You might also like: Matthew Berry Positional Rankings: Why They Still Run the Fantasy Industry
They’ve got Dayton and Chattanooga mixed in there too. Chattanooga is a perennial Southern Conference threat. Playing them in September is a massive litmus test for the defense. If the Colonels can’t stop the run against the Mocs, the UAC season is going to be a long, painful slog.
The Quarterback Situation
You can't talk about the eastern kentucky university football schedule without talking about who is taking the snaps. Myles Burkett had some flashes of brilliance in 2025, but the consistency wasn't always there. In 2026, he’s the veteran. He’s the guy. If he can utilize the home-field advantage at Roy Kidd Stadium—where the acoustics have actually improved with the recent renovations—EKU could easily flip that 5-7 record into an 8 or 9-win season.
How to Actually Watch the Colonels
Kinda weirdly, the hardest part of being an EKU fan isn't the losses; it's finding the channel.
Basically, ESPN+ is your best friend. Since the UAC is part of that ESPN deal, almost every game—home or away—will live there. If you’re heading to Richmond, remember that the parking situation has changed. The Upper Lot near Alumni Coliseum has been a mess due to the construction, so you really want to get there at least three hours before kickoff if you want a decent tailgate spot.
📖 Related: What Time Did the Cubs Game End Today? The Truth About the Off-Season
Pro tip: The RV Zone opens on Thursday evenings. If you’re serious about your pre-game burgers, that’s where the real action is.
What Most People Get Wrong About EKU Football
A lot of folks still think of EKU as just another regional school. They don't realize that the transition to the UAC as a full all-sports member in July 2026 is a game-changer. This isn't just about football; it’s about the university's entire identity shifting toward a more national profile.
They aren't just playing for the "Battle of the Bluegrass" against Morehead State anymore (though those memories are great). They are competing for a legitimate, clear path to the FCS playoffs in a conference that finally has stability.
Actionable Steps for the 2026 Season
If you're planning to follow the team, don't wait until August to get your ducks in a row.
- Lock in Season Tickets Early: The 2025 season saw a spike in demand for the "family" sections. If you want seats between the 40-yard lines at Roy Kidd Stadium, you need to be looking at the EKU Sports ticket office by late spring.
- Download the EKU Sports App: Honestly, it’s the only way to get real-time gate changes and parking updates. Richmond traffic on a Saturday can be a nightmare if the bypass is clogged.
- Watch the Transfer Portal: The 2026 roster will be heavily influenced by who comes in during the spring window. Keep an eye on defensive line depth—that’s where EKU struggled in those late-season losses to Southern Utah and Abilene Christian.
- Check the Kickoff Times: Don't assume every game is at 3:00 PM. The UAC likes to flex games for TV, so a Saturday night "Maroon Out" can be announced with only a couple of weeks' notice.
The eastern kentucky university football schedule is more than just a list of games; it's the roadmap for a program trying to reclaim its spot at the top of the FCS world. Whether you're tailgating in the lot or screaming at your TV while the ESPN+ stream buffers, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for the Colonels.