The 2026 Arizona football schedule opens at home against Northern Arizona on September 5 at 9:30 p.m. ET. The 2026 Arizona Wildcats football schedule features 12 regular-season games plus a potential Big 12 Championship appearance, with high-profile home dates against ranked Utah and the Duel in the Desert against Arizona State.
Casino Del Sol Stadium hosts seven home dates on the 2026 Arizona football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in late October and early November with a road trip to ranked Texas Tech followed by home games against TCU and #21 Utah.
2026 Arizona Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Northern Arizona LumberjacksCasino Del Sol Stadium, Tucson, AZ | 9:30pm ETESPN+ | ||
| Saturday | at 14 BYU CougarsLaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT | 3:30pm ETFOX | ||
| Saturday | NIU HuskiesCasino Del Sol Stadium, Tucson, AZ | 10:30pm ETTNT/HBO Max | ||
| Saturday | at Washington State CougarsMartin Stadium, Pullman, WA | 7:30pm ETCBS/Paramount+ | ||
| Saturday | Cincinnati BearcatsCasino Del Sol Stadium, Tucson, AZ | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at West Virginia MountaineersMountaineer Field, Morgantown, WV | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Iowa State CyclonesCasino Del Sol Stadium, Tucson, AZ | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 12 Texas Tech Red RaidersGalaxy Stadium, Lubbock, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Friday | TCU Horned FrogsCasino Del Sol Stadium, Tucson, AZ | 10:15pm ETESPN | ||
| Saturday | 21 Utah UtesCasino Del Sol Stadium, Tucson, AZ | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Kansas State WildcatsBill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, KS | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Duel in the Desert | ||||
| Saturday | Arizona State Sun DevilsCasino Del Sol Stadium, Tucson, AZ | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Friday | vs Big 12 ChampionshipAT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX | 8:00pm ETABC | ||
How the 2026 Arizona Football Schedule Sets Up
September mixes early home games with a ranked road test on the 2026 Arizona Wildcats football schedule. Northern Arizona at home, a trip to #14 BYU, NIU at home in a late TNT window, and a road game at Washington State. That opening stretch gives the Wildcats two home dates and two demanding road contests.
October brings Cincinnati at home, a road trip to West Virginia, Iowa State at home, and a road game at #12 Texas Tech. The Texas Tech trip is the clearest mid-season ranked measuring stick on the 2026 Arizona football schedule.
November features TCU at home on ESPN, #21 Utah at home, a road game at Kansas State, and the Duel in the Desert against Arizona State at home. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible Big 12 Championship appearance.
Home Games at Casino Del Sol Stadium
Seven home dates appear on the 2026 Arizona football schedule:
- September 5 vs. Northern Arizona
- September 19 vs. NIU
- October 3 vs. Cincinnati
- October 24 vs. Iowa State
- November 6 vs. TCU
- November 14 vs. #21 Utah
- November 28 vs. Arizona State (Duel in the Desert)
The Utah and Arizona State games will generate the strongest crowds in Tucson.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 Arizona football schedule.
The September 12 road game at #14 BYU is an early Big 12 measuring stick. The October 31 trip to #12 Texas Tech is a key ranked test. The November 28 Duel in the Desert against Arizona State always carries extra weight, regardless of records.
Win two of those three and the Wildcats stay in control of their path toward a possible December 4 Big 12 Championship appearance in Arlington.
Where to Watch Arizona Wildcats Football: TV and Streaming
Confirmed networks on the Arizona TV schedule 2026:
- ESPN+ (Sept. 5 vs. Northern Arizona)
- FOX (Sept. 12 at BYU)
- TNT/HBO Max (Sept. 19 vs. NIU)
- CBS/Paramount+ (Sept. 26 at Washington State)
- ESPN (Nov. 6 vs. TCU)
- ABC (Dec. 4 Big 12 Championship)
Most remaining Big 12 games still list TV as TBA. Expect additional network assignments once the final slate is set.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Sept. 5 — Season opener vs. Northern Arizona, 9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+
- Sept. 12 — At #14 BYU, 3:30 p.m. ET, FOX
- Oct. 31 — At #12 Texas Tech
- Nov. 14 — #21 Utah at home
- Nov. 28 — Duel in the Desert vs. Arizona State
- Dec. 4 — Potential Big 12 Championship in Arlington, 8:00 p.m. ET, ABC
The Arizona Wildcats football schedule 2026 opens with a mix of home and ranked road tests and builds toward the Duel in the Desert. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does Arizona open the 2026 season?
Arizona opens the 2026 season at home against Northern Arizona on Saturday, September 5 at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
How many home games do the Arizona Wildcats have in 2026?
The Wildcats have seven home games at Casino Del Sol Stadium on the 2026 Arizona football schedule: Northern Arizona, NIU, Cincinnati, Iowa State, TCU, #21 Utah, and Arizona State.
Who do the Arizona Wildcats play in the Duel in the Desert?
On November 28 the Wildcats host Arizona State in the Duel in the Desert at Casino Del Sol Stadium. Time and TV are still TBA.
What channel are Arizona games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include ESPN+, FOX, TNT/HBO Max, CBS/Paramount+, ESPN, and ABC. Most Big 12 games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.