If you’ve spent any time around Johnny Unitas Stadium lately, you know the vibe is shifting. People talk about the towson university football schedule like it’s just a list of dates, but honestly, the 2026 slate that just dropped is a total gauntlet. We aren't just looking at a few local games and a cupcake or two. The Tigers are basically diving headfirst into the deep end of the pool this time around.
Coming off a 6-6 season in 2025 where they finished 4-4 in the CAA, Coach Pete Shinnick has his work cut out for him. They closed out last year strong, winning their final two games against UAlbany and Campbell, which kinda gives them some momentum. But man, the jump from that to the 2026 opener is wild.
The 2026 Reality Check
Most fans just look for the big names. They see "South Carolina" or "Navy" and get excited. I get it. Those are the massive FBS paydays that keep the lights on and the uniforms looking sharp. But the real story is how the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) schedule is structured this year.
It starts early. Like, really early. Towson kicks things off on a Thursday night at home against Maine on August 27. Usually, you’d expect a non-conference warmup, but jumping straight into league play? That’s a bold choice by the CAA. It means if the Tigers aren't firing on all cylinders by late August, they’re already behind in the playoff race before September even hits.
After that, it's a road trip nightmare—but the fun kind. They go to Annapolis to play Navy on September 5. Then, it’s a flight down to Columbia to face the South Carolina Gamecocks on September 12. Think about that for a second. You go from a disciplined triple-option Navy team to an SEC powerhouse in the span of seven days. That’s brutal on a roster.
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The Battle for Greater Baltimore Returns
One thing everyone gets hyped for is the Morgan State game. It’s officially called the Battle for Greater Baltimore, and it’s happening on September 19 at Unitas Stadium. These schools are literally 4.6 miles apart. You’ve probably got cousins playing against each other in this one. It’s the closest rivalry in all of FCS football, and the atmosphere is usually electric.
Breaking Down the Towson University Football Schedule
If you're trying to plan your Saturdays, here is how the rest of the 2026 season shakes out. Keep in mind, times aren't set yet, but the dates are locked.
After the Morgan State game, they head to Dover to play Delaware State on September 26. This is actually the first time they’ve played the Hornets since 2014. It’s a good non-conference closer before the CAA meat grinder starts back up.
October is when things get really interesting.
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- October 3: at Monmouth
- October 10: vs. Stony Brook
- October 17: at Campbell
- October 31: vs. Hampton (The Halloween game!)
That Halloween game against Hampton at home is going to be something else. You can bet the student section will be doing something ridiculous.
November doesn't get any easier. They have a road trip to the CAA newcomer, Sacred Heart, on November 7. Then they travel to take on the 2025 CAA champs, Rhode Island, on November 14. Finally, they close the regular season at home against Elon on November 21.
Who is Stepping Up?
You can’t talk about the schedule without talking about who’s actually playing the games. Towson is in a weird spot of transition. Last year, they relied heavily on a freshman quarterback, Jack Indorf. He ended up being named the CAA Co-Offensive Rookie of the Year. Honestly, that’s a huge deal. Having a sophomore starter who’s already a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award gives you a stability most FCS teams dream of.
But they lost a lot of guys too. The "Front Seven" on defense was basically rebuilt from scratch last year. Now, those guys are the veterans. Coach Shinnick just brought in 11 new recruits during the early signing period in December 2025. Keep an eye on KaRon Ali, a three-star cornerback from New Jersey. He's fast—like, track star fast—and might see the field earlier than people expect.
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The Stadium Experience
If you haven't been to "The U" lately, the university is actually dumping a lot of money into renovations. They call it the "Campaign for Excellence." They’re expanding the Field House and adding a massive "Fueling Zone" for the players. It’s a $32 million project overall. It’s clear the administration wants to compete with the big boys of the CAA like Villanova and William & Mary.
How to Actually Watch the Games
Look, we'd all love to be at Johnny Unitas Stadium every Saturday, but life happens. Most people get confused about where to find the games. Basically, FloCollege is the home for most of it. If it’s a CAA home game or an away game against a conference opponent, it’s likely on FloCollege.
The big FBS games are different. The Navy game and the South Carolina game will probably end up on something like ESPN+ or the SEC Network. You'll have to check the local listings closer to September.
Practical Next Steps for Fans
If you're planning to follow the team this year, don't wait until August. Here’s what you should actually do:
- Lock in Tickets Early: Season ticket deposits are already open for 2026. It’s usually about $50 to hold your spot. If you want those chairback seats at midfield, you need to jump on that now.
- Download the FloSports App: Since the bulk of the towson university football schedule is on FloCollege, getting the app set up on your smart TV now saves you the headache of trying to find the login five minutes before kickoff.
- Follow the Recruiting Trail: The regular signing period starts in February. Watch for transfer portal additions—Towson has been very active there lately, especially for offensive linemen.
- Check the Game Day Promotions: The school usually announces the themes (like Homecoming or Family Weekend) by late spring. If you’re coming from out of town, those are the weekends that sell out hotels in the Towson/Cockeysville area fast.
The 2026 season feels like a "prove it" year for the Tigers. They have the quarterback, they have the upgraded facilities, and they have a schedule that gives them plenty of chances to make a statement. Now they just have to go out and do it.