The 2026 Maryland football schedule opens at home against Hampton on September 5 at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Maryland Terrapins face 12 regular-season games plus a potential Big Ten Championship appearance, with a late-October bye and high-profile road tests against ranked Ohio State and USC.
SECU Stadium hosts seven home dates on the 2026 Maryland football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in early-to-mid October with consecutive road games at Nebraska and #1 Ohio State.
2026 Maryland Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Hampton PiratesSECU Stadium, College Park, MD | 8:00pm ETBTN | ||
| Saturday | at UConn HuskiesRentschler Field, East Hartford, CT | 3:30pm ETCBSSN | ||
| Saturday | Virginia Tech HokiesSECU Stadium, College Park, MD | 7:30pm ETFOX or FS1 | ||
| Saturday | UCLA BruinsSECU Stadium, College Park, MD | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Nebraska CornhuskersMemorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 1 Ohio State BuckeyesOhio Stadium, Columbus, OH | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Rutgers Scarlet KnightsSECU Stadium, College Park, MD | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | OFF | |||
| Saturday | Illinois Fighting IlliniSECU Stadium, College Park, MD | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Purdue BoilermakersRoss-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Wisconsin BadgersSECU Stadium, College Park, MD | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 14 USC TrojansLA Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 18 Penn State Nittany LionsSECU Stadium, College Park, MD | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | vs Big Ten ChampionshipLucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN | 8:00pm ETFOX |
How the 2026 Maryland Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with a mix of home and road games on the 2026 Maryland Terrapins football schedule. Hampton at home, a road trip to UConn, Virginia Tech at home, and UCLA at home. That early stretch gives the Terrapins three home dates and one road contest before Big Ten play intensifies.
October brings consecutive road games at Nebraska and #1 Ohio State, Rutgers at home, the bye week, and Illinois at home. The trip to Ohio State is the clearest mid-season measuring stick.
November features a road trip to Purdue, Wisconsin at home, a road game at #14 USC, and #18 Penn State at home. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible Big Ten Championship appearance.
Home Games at SECU Stadium
Seven home dates appear on the 2026 Maryland football schedule:
- September 5 vs. Hampton
- September 19 vs. Virginia Tech
- September 26 vs. UCLA
- October 17 vs. Rutgers
- October 31 vs. Illinois
- November 14 vs. Wisconsin
- November 28 vs. #18 Penn State
The Penn State and Virginia Tech games will generate the strongest crowds in College Park.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 Maryland football schedule.
The October 10 road game at #1 Ohio State is the biggest measuring stick. The November 21 trip to #14 USC is a key ranked test. The November 28 home date against #18 Penn State will likely decide late-season momentum.
Win two of those three and the Terrapins stay in control of their path toward a possible December 5 Big Ten Championship appearance in Indianapolis.
Where to Watch Maryland Terrapins Football
Confirmed networks on the 2026 Maryland football schedule:
- BTN (Sept. 5 vs. Hampton)
- CBSSN (Sept. 12 at UConn)
- FOX or FS1 (Sept. 19 vs. Virginia Tech)
- FOX (Dec. 5 Big Ten Championship)
Most remaining Big Ten 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. Hampton, 8:00 p.m. ET, BTN
- Oct. 10 — At #1 Ohio State
- Oct. 24 — Bye week
- Nov. 21 — At #14 USC
- Nov. 28 — #18 Penn State at home
- Dec. 5 — Potential Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis, 8:00 p.m. ET, FOX
The 2026 Maryland football schedule opens with three early home games and builds toward ranked road tests. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does Maryland open the 2026 season?
Maryland opens the 2026 season at home against Hampton on Saturday, September 5 at 8:00 p.m. ET on BTN.
How many home games do the Maryland Terrapins have in 2026?
The Terrapins have seven home games at SECU Stadium on the 2026 Maryland football schedule: Hampton, Virginia Tech, UCLA, Rutgers, Illinois, Wisconsin, and #18 Penn State.
Who do the Maryland Terrapins play on October 10?
On October 10 the Terrapins travel to Ohio Stadium to face #1 Ohio State. Time and TV are still TBA.
What channel are Maryland games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include BTN, CBSSN, FOX or FS1, and FOX. Most Big Ten games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
