2026 Football Schedules Unveiled For Virginia Tech Austin Peay And Connecticut High Schools

Football fans across the country are already buzzing with anticipation as the 2026 gridiron schedules for college and high school programs come into focus. With new coaching regimes, expanded conference requirements, and historic matchups, the upcoming season promises plenty of intrigue from the collegiate ranks down to the high school fields. Let’s dive into the key storylines shaping the 2026 football landscape, from Virginia Tech’s new era under James Franklin to Austin Peay’s ambitious nonconference slate and the unprecedented breadth of the Connecticut High School Football Alliance.

Virginia Tech: A New Chapter Begins Under James Franklin

Change is in the air in Blacksburg, as James Franklin prepares to lead Virginia Tech into his first season at the helm. Franklin, who received his inaugural Hokies schedule on February 4, 2026, faces a unique challenge: the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) now requires all member schools to play 10 Power 4 opponents. For Virginia Tech, that meant dropping James Madison from its nonconference schedule and picking up an extra conference game—an away date at SMU, marking their 10th Power 4 matchup of the season.

The Hokies’ schedule is both demanding and fascinating, with games lined up from September through late November. The season kicks off on September 5 at home against VMI, marking the official start of the James Franklin era. Early predictions are optimistic, with many expecting a win to get things rolling. The following week, Virginia Tech faces Old Dominion—a team that handed the Hokies a stinging 45-26 defeat last September, leading to the end of Brent Pry’s tenure as head coach. That loss is still fresh in the minds of returning players, and revenge will surely be on the menu.

Franklin’s first road test comes on September 19 at Maryland, a familiar setting for the former Penn State coach. The ACC schedule then ramps up with a trip to Boston College, a Friday night home opener against Pittsburgh, and a cross-country clash at California—a rematch of last year’s overtime thriller in Blacksburg. The Hokies are tipped to win these early contests, setting up a promising start.

However, the midseason gauntlet looks daunting. Georgia Tech and Clemson loom in back-to-back weeks, with experts predicting losses for the Hokies in both matchups. The road doesn’t get any easier, as Virginia Tech heads to Dallas to face a tough SMU squad in a likely Friday night showdown. Yet, there are opportunities to bounce back: home games against Stanford and archrival Virginia sandwich a challenging road trip to Miami, who many believe could be the class of the ACC in 2026.

All told, forecasts for Franklin’s debut campaign are cautiously optimistic. An 8-4 record is widely predicted—a result that would make the Hokies bowl-eligible and represent a significant step forward for the program. However, with the ACC loaded at the top, a championship game appearance remains a long shot in Year 1. “They should be bowl-eligible with ease, and eight wins in his first season in Blacksburg would be a big step in the right direction for the program,” one analyst noted.

Austin Peay: Governors Set for High-Profile Tests and Historic Rivalries

Meanwhile, in Clarksville, Austin Peay State University is generating excitement with the release of its final 2026 football schedule and the opening of season ticket renewals. Announced on February 4, the Governors’ slate features a blend of historic rivalries, high-profile nonconference games, and a challenging United Athletic Conference (UAC) campaign.

The action begins early with a Week 0 Thursday night contest against Gardner-Webb on August 27 at Fortera Stadium—the first time APSU opens at home since 2019. The Governors then hit the road for a tough test against Vanderbilt on September 5 in Nashville. History isn’t on Austin Peay’s side here; they’re 0-9 all-time against SEC opponents and have never beaten the Commodores in two previous tries.

Returning to Clarksville, APSU hosts Morehead State on September 12—a program they’ve dominated in recent years, boasting a five-game winning streak dating back to 2006. The nonconference gauntlet continues with a trip to Fargodome to take on North Dakota State on September 19. The Bison, perennial FCS powerhouses, last faced the Governors in 2008, winning decisively. Austin Peay’s record against Missouri Valley Football Conference teams is a sobering 1-15, but there’s always hope for a breakthrough.

Other highlights include a long-awaited rematch with UT Martin on September 26—APSU’s most frequent opponent historically—and a first-ever meeting with New Haven on October 3. The Chargers, transitioning from Division II, bring extra intrigue as their head coach Mark Powell and offensive coordinator Tim Zetts both have APSU ties.

Conference play kicks off October 10 against Tarleton State, followed by road trips to West Georgia and North Alabama. The Governors’ rivalry with Eastern Kentucky resumes on November 7, while Abilene Christian, the reigning UAC champions, visits Fortera Stadium on November 14. The regular season closes at Central Arkansas on November 21—a team APSU edged out in a thriller last year.

Fans are encouraged to secure tickets early and follow the Governors on social media for the latest updates. The 2026 campaign promises to be one of the most competitive and compelling in recent memory for Austin Peay.

Connecticut High School Football Alliance: Uniting the State with Record-Breaking Matchups

Not to be outdone, Connecticut’s high school football scene is making history of its own. On February 5, 2026, Pete Paguaga highlighted the release of the Connecticut High School Football Alliance’s fall schedule, featuring an unprecedented 122 matchups—the most ever for the alliance. For the first time, every conference in the state is participating, signaling a new era of cooperation and statewide competition.

The Alliance, which has been scheduling out-of-conference games since 2017, now offers a true cross-section of Connecticut football. The schedule is packed with “Must See” and “Intriguing” games, including perennial powerhouses and rising programs. Top-billed contests feature Fairfield Prep at New Canaan in Week 2—two teams regularly in the GameTimeCT Top 10. New Canaan is coming off four straight state championships, while Prep is searching for its first since 1988.

Other marquee matchups include Killingly at Sheehan in Week 1, Windsor at St. Joseph in Week 2, and Berlin at Wilton in Week 2. The rankings and tiers reflect both historical rivalries and recent playoff performances, ensuring that every week offers something special for fans and players alike.

It’s worth noting that the schedule could still change before the CIAC’s September deadline, and playoff divisions for 2026 will be finalized later in the year. Still, the sheer scale and ambition of the Alliance’s schedule represent a major step toward a more unified and competitive landscape for Connecticut high school football.

As the 2026 football season approaches, anticipation is building from Blacksburg to Clarksville and across Connecticut. With new faces on the sidelines, storied rivalries renewed, and history waiting to be made, fans can hardly wait for the opening kickoff. The countdown to fall is officially on!