The 2026 Utah football schedule opens at home against Idaho on September 3 at 9:00 p.m. ET. The 2026 Utah Utes football schedule features 12 regular-season games plus a potential Big 12 Championship appearance, with the Battle of the Brothers, Rumble in the Rockies, and Holy War all on the slate.
Rice-Eccles Stadium hosts seven home dates on the 2026 Utah football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in early-to-mid November with consecutive road games at Arizona and TCU sandwiching the Holy War against ranked BYU.
2026 Utah Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Idaho VandalsRice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | 9:00pm ETESPNU | ||
| Saturday | Arkansas RazorbacksRice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | 10:15pm ETESPN | ||
| Battle of the Brothers | ||||
| Saturday | Utah State AggiesRice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | 3:30pm ETFOX | ||
| Saturday | at Iowa State CyclonesJack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | OFF | |||
| Saturday | Kansas JayhawksRice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Rumble in the Rockies | ||||
| Saturday | at Colorado BuffaloesFolsom Field, Boulder, CO | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 23 Houston CougarsRice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Cincinnati BearcatsNippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Holy War | ||||
| Saturday | 14 BYU CougarsRice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Arizona WildcatsCasino Del Sol Stadium, Tucson, AZ | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at TCU Horned FrogsAmon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Friday | West Virginia MountaineersRice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, UT | 9:00pm ETFOX | ||
| Friday | vs Big 12 ChampionshipAT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX | 8:00pm ETABC | ||
How the 2026 Utah Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with three home games and an early road test on the 2026 Utah Utes football schedule. Idaho, Arkansas and Utah State (Battle of the Brothers) at Rice-Eccles Stadium, then a road trip to Iowa State. That early stretch gives the Utes a strong home start before the bye.
October brings the bye week, Kansas at home, the Rumble in the Rockies at Colorado, #23 Houston at home, and a road game at Cincinnati. The ranked home date against Houston is a key mid-season measuring stick.
November features the Holy War against #14 BYU at home, consecutive road games at Arizona and TCU, and West Virginia at home on FOX. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible Big 12 Championship appearance.
Home Games at Rice-Eccles Stadium
Seven home dates appear on the 2026 Utah football schedule:
- September 3 vs. Idaho
- September 12 vs. Arkansas
- September 19 vs. Utah State (Battle of the Brothers)
- October 10 vs. Kansas
- October 24 vs. #23 Houston
- November 7 vs. #14 BYU (Holy War)
- November 27 vs. West Virginia
The BYU and Houston games will generate the strongest crowds in Salt Lake City.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 Utah football schedule.
The September 19 Battle of the Brothers against Utah State is the early local measuring stick. The October 17 Rumble in the Rockies at Colorado is a key rivalry test. The November 7 Holy War against #14 BYU is the most important game on the slate.
Win two of those three and the Utes stay in control of their path toward a possible December 4 Big 12 Championship appearance in Arlington.
Where to Watch Utah Utes Football: TV and Streaming
Confirmed networks on the Utah TV schedule 2026:
- ESPNU (Sept. 3 vs. Idaho)
- ESPN (Sept. 12 vs. Arkansas)
- FOX (Sept. 19 vs. Utah State and Nov. 27 vs. West Virginia)
- 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. 3 — Season opener vs. Idaho, 9:00 p.m. ET, ESPNU
- Sept. 19 — Battle of the Brothers vs. Utah State, 3:30 p.m. ET, FOX
- Oct. 3 — Bye week
- Oct. 17 — Rumble in the Rockies at Colorado
- Nov. 7 — Holy War vs. #14 BYU
- Dec. 4 — Potential Big 12 Championship in Arlington, 8:00 p.m. ET, ABC
The 2026 Utah football schedule opens with three home games and builds toward rivalry tests and the Holy War. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does Utah open the 2026 season?
Utah opens the 2026 season at home against Idaho on Thursday, September 3 at 9:00 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
How many home games do the Utah Utes have in 2026?
The Utes have seven home games at Rice-Eccles Stadium on the 2026 Utah football schedule: Idaho, Arkansas, Utah State, Kansas, #23 Houston, #14 BYU, and West Virginia.
Who do the Utah Utes play in the Holy War?
On November 7 the Utes host #14 BYU in the Holy War at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Time and TV are still TBA.
What channel are Utah games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include ESPNU, ESPN, FOX, and ABC. Most Big 12 games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
