The 2026 Cincinnati football schedule opens at home against Boston College on September 5 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The 2026 Cincinnati Bearcats football schedule features 12 regular-season games plus a potential Big 12 Championship appearance, with the Battle for the Bell against Miami (Ohio) and high-profile home dates against ranked Texas Tech and Utah.
Nippert Stadium hosts six home dates on the 2026 Cincinnati football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in late October and early November with consecutive home games against ranked opponents followed by road trips to Houston and Iowa State.
2026 Cincinnati Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Boston College EaglesNippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH | 3:30pm ETFOX | ||
| Saturday | Western Carolina CatamountsNippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH | 7:00pm ETESPN+ | ||
| Battle for the Bell | ||||
| Saturday | vs Miami (Ohio) RedHawksTQL Stadium, Cincinnati, OH | 3:30pm ETESPN+ | ||
| Saturday | Kansas State WildcatsNippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Arizona WildcatsCasino Del Sol Stadium, Tucson, AZ | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at West Virginia MountaineersMountaineer Field, Morgantown, WV | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 12 Texas Tech Red RaidersNippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 21 Utah UtesNippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 23 Houston CougarsTDECU Stadium, Houston, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Iowa State CyclonesJack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Colorado BuffaloesNippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 14 BYU CougarsLaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Friday | vs Big 12 ChampionshipAT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX | 8:00pm ETABC | ||
How the 2026 Cincinnati Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with two home games and a local rivalry on the 2026 Cincinnati Bearcats football schedule. Boston College and Western Carolina at Nippert Stadium, then the Battle for the Bell against Miami (Ohio) at TQL Stadium, followed by Kansas State at home. That early stretch gives the Bearcats three games in the Cincinnati area.
October brings a road trip to Arizona, a road game at West Virginia, then consecutive home dates against #12 Texas Tech and #21 Utah. The back-to-back ranked home games will define the middle of the season.
November features road trips to #23 Houston and Iowa State, Colorado at home, and a closer at #14 BYU. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible Big 12 Championship appearance.
Home Games at Nippert Stadium
Six home dates appear on the 2026 Cincinnati football schedule:
- September 5 vs. Boston College
- September 12 vs. Western Carolina
- September 26 vs. Kansas State
- October 24 vs. #12 Texas Tech
- October 31 vs. #21 Utah
- November 21 vs. Colorado
The Texas Tech and Utah games will generate the strongest crowds in Cincinnati.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 Cincinnati football schedule.
The September 19 Battle for the Bell against Miami (Ohio) is the early local measuring stick. The October 24–31 home stretch against #12 Texas Tech and #21 Utah is the toughest ranked gauntlet. The November 28 road game at #14 BYU will likely decide late-season momentum.
Win two of those three and the Bearcats stay in control of their path toward a possible December 4 Big 12 Championship appearance in Arlington.
Where to Watch Cincinnati Bearcats Football: TV and Streaming
Confirmed networks on the Cincinnati TV schedule 2026:
- FOX (Sept. 5 vs. Boston College)
- ESPN+ (Sept. 12 vs. Western Carolina and Sept. 19 vs. Miami (Ohio))
- 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. Boston College, 3:30 p.m. ET, FOX
- Sept. 19 — Battle for the Bell vs. Miami (Ohio), 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+
- Oct. 24 — #12 Texas Tech at home
- Oct. 31 — #21 Utah at home
- Nov. 28 — At #14 BYU
- Dec. 4 — Potential Big 12 Championship in Arlington, 8:00 p.m. ET, ABC
The 2026 Cincinnati football schedule opens with three local games and builds toward ranked home tests. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does Cincinnati open the 2026 season?
Cincinnati opens the 2026 season at home against Boston College on Saturday, September 5 at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
How many home games do the Cincinnati Bearcats have in 2026?
The Bearcats have six home games at Nippert Stadium on the 2026 Cincinnati football schedule: Boston College, Western Carolina, Kansas State, #12 Texas Tech, #21 Utah, and Colorado.
Who do the Cincinnati Bearcats play in the Battle for the Bell?
On September 19 the Bearcats face Miami (Ohio) in the Battle for the Bell at TQL Stadium at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
What channel are Cincinnati games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include FOX, ESPN+, and ABC. Most Big 12 games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
