Football in Livingston is just different. You’ve got the heat, the pines, and a fan base that genuinely treats every Saturday like it’s a playoff game. Honestly, the west alabama football schedule has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately. If you were following the Tigers through the 2025 season, you saw a team that started like a house on fire only to hit some seriously tough sledding when the Gulf South Conference (GSC) schedule really started to grind.
But here’s the thing: everyone is already looking toward 2026. Why? Because the University of West Alabama just dropped a bombshell about their future non-conference slate that has the whole town talking.
The 2025 Reality Check
Let’s look at the facts first. The 2025 run was weird. The Tigers came out swinging, beating Fort Valley State 27-17 at Legion Field in Birmingham. It felt like they were invincible for a month. They handled Chowan, squeezed past Charleston, and then absolutely dismantled Barton College 52-14.
Then the wheels kinda wobbled.
Once October hit, the schedule became a gauntlet. Home games against West Florida and Delta State are never easy, but losing both—along with a tough road trip to Valdosta State—really changed the narrative. By the time they played Northeastern State in mid-November, the vibe was a lot different than that 5-0 start.
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Breaking Down the 2025 Results
- Aug 30: vs. Fort Valley State (W, 27-17)
- Sept 6: at Chowan (W, 38-28)
- Sept 13: vs. Charleston (W, 28-24)
- Sept 20: vs. Barton College (W, 52-14)
- Sept 27: at North Greenville (W, 52-44)
- Oct 18: vs. West Florida (L, 16-23)
- Oct 25: vs. Delta State (L, 38-41)
- Nov 1: at Valdosta State (L, 35-45)
- Nov 15: vs. Northeastern State (L, 20-33)
It’s worth noting that the Lincoln (Calif.) game originally set for November 8 was cancelled. That left a hole in the schedule right when the team probably needed a "get right" game.
The Massive 2026 Schedule News
If you’re a UWA fan, you need to circle September 12, 2026, on your calendar right now.
Athletic Director Brett Gilliland and the UWA officials recently finalized a home-and-home contract with Pittsburg State University. If you know anything about Division II football, you know the Gorillas are basically royalty in the MIAA. This isn't just another game. It’s a statement.
The first leg happens in Livingston at Terry Bunn Field at Tiger Stadium on Sept. 12, 2026. The return trip to Kansas is set for 2027. This is the kind of scheduling that puts a program on the national map. It’s risky, sure. But it’s exactly what the program needs to do to prove they belong in the elite tier of DII.
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Why the GSC Schedule is Changing
The Gulf South Conference is in a state of flux. With teams moving around and membership shifting, the west alabama football schedule isn't as predictable as it was five years ago.
We’re seeing more regional non-conference games. Schools are trying to find a balance between "winnable" games and "strength of schedule" boosters for the NCAA playoff committee. Basically, the committee looks at who you beat, not just how many you beat. That’s why the Pittsburg State deal matters so much.
Winning the GSC is the primary goal, but with powerhouse programs like Valdosta State and West Florida still standing in the way, the path is always narrow.
Critical Matchups to Watch
The rivalry with Delta State remains the "must-attend" game for most locals. There is just no love lost there. Then you have the West Florida game, which has turned into a tactical chess match every year. If UWA wants to jump from "good" to "championship caliber," they have to figure out how to close out those one-score games that slipped away in 2025.
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Actionable Steps for Tigers Fans
If you’re planning to follow the team through this next cycle, here is what you actually need to do to stay ahead:
1. Secure Your Season Tickets Early: With the Pittsburg State game coming in 2026, the demand for home side seating at Terry Bunn Field is going to spike. Don't wait until August.
2. Monitor the Transfer Portal: The 2025 roster saw a massive influx of talent from places like UAB, Memphis, and Kentucky. The coaching staff is clearly aggressive in the portal, so keep an eye on who is coming in this spring to fill the gaps in the secondary.
3. Watch the GSC Updates: The conference schedule often gets tweaked in late spring. Make sure you are checking the official UWA Athletics site or the GSC portal specifically for kickoff times, as several 2025 games were "TBD" until just weeks before.
The reality is that West Alabama has the bones of a great program. They have the stadium, the coaching continuity, and a schedule that is finally reflecting their ambitions. Whether they can turn those high-profile matchups into wins is the only question left.