FLORENCE, Ala. (February 2, 2026) – The University of North Alabama announced its 2026 football schedule on Monday. This schedule will be one of the most memorable in program history, as UNA is set to open Bobby Wallace Field at Bank Independent Stadium in September.
The Lions will play 12 games on this year's schedule, including six at the new on-campus stadium. The season opener will be a neutral site home game for UNA against Samford on August 29 at Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville.
"The 2026 football schedule will be one of the most exciting in recent history," said UNA Director of Athletics
Dr. Josh Looney. "We will deliver seven football games across our region next fall, including six at Bank Independent Stadium and our season opener in Huntsville at Joe Davis Stadium. A state-of-the-art, on-campus stadium will elevate our gameday experience, and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories for the Shoals community."
The first game at Bank Independent Stadium will take place on Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. against Alcorn State.
Three promotional dates have already been announced, with Family Weekend set for Sept. 26 against Western Illinois, Homecoming scheduled for Oct. 24 vs. Austin Peay and Senior Day on Nov. 21 against Tarleton State.
Games and times are subject to change. A full promotional schedule will be announced in the coming months.
"There is a feeling that is unmatched right now," said UNA head coach
Brent Dearmon, who enters his fourth season in 2026. "We are excited to open the season with a Week 0 game vs. in-state foe Samford before traveling to the first SEC game in our Division I history to follow. For years, this program was a 'road warrior' — even at home. Being able to play six home games in the heart of campus for the first time in school history allows our players to not only win, but defend their home."
Fans can find information regarding tickets, parking, seating, benefit opportunities and much more at
UNABankIndependentStadium.com.
2026 North Alabama Football Schedule
- August 29 vs. Samford — Joe Davis Stadium (Huntsville, Ala.) — 6 p.m.
- Sept. 5 at Arkansas — Fayetteville, Ark. — Time TBA
- Sept. 12 at Southeastern Louisiana — Hammond, La. — Time TBA
- Sept. 19 vs. Alcorn State — Bank Independent Stadium — 6 p.m.
- Sept. 26 vs. Western Illinois — Bank Independent Stadium — 3 p.m. (Family Weekend)
- Oct. 3 at Eastern Kentucky — Richmond, Ky. — Time TBA
- Oct. 10 vs. Sacramento State — Bank Independent Stadium — 6 p.m.
- Oct. 17 vs. Abilene Christian — Bank Independent Stadium — 6 p.m.
- Oct. 24 vs. Austin Peay — Bank Independent Stadium — 6 p.m. (Homecoming)
- Oct. 31 at Central Arkansas — Conway, Ark. — 4 p.m.
- Nov. 7 — ***** BYE WEEK *****
- Nov. 14 at West Georgia — Carrollton, Ga. — Time TBA
- Nov. 21 vs. Tarleton State — Bank Independent Stadium — 3 p.m. (Senior Day)
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
