The 2026 Vanderbilt football schedule opens at home against Austin Peay on September 5 at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Vanderbilt Commodores face 12 regular-season games plus a potential SEC Championship appearance, with high-profile home dates against ranked Ole Miss, Alabama and Tennessee.
FirstBank Stadium hosts eight home dates on the 2026 Vanderbilt football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in early-to-mid October with consecutive road games at Auburn and ranked Georgia followed by ranked Ole Miss at home.
2026 Vanderbilt Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Austin Peay GovernorsFirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN | 7:00pm ETSECN+ | ||
| Saturday | Delaware Blue HensFirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN | 4:15pm ETSECN | ||
| Saturday | NC State WolfpackFirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN | 12:45pm ETSECN | ||
| Saturday | at Auburn TigersJordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL | 3:30-4:30pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 3 Georgia BulldogsSanford Stadium, Athens, GA | 12:00-1:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 9 Ole Miss RebelsFirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Arkansas RazorbacksFirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Kentucky WildcatsKroger Field, Lexington, KY | 6:00-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | OFF | |||
| Saturday | at Mississippi State BulldogsDavis Wade Stadium, Starkville, MS | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 13 Alabama Crimson TideFirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN | 12:00-1:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Florida GatorsBen Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL | 12:00-1:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 20 Tennessee VolunteersFirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN | 6:00-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | vs SEC ChampionshipMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | 4:00pm ETABC |
How the 2026 Vanderbilt Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with three home games and an early road test on the 2026 Vanderbilt Commodores Football schedule. Austin Peay, Delaware and NC State at FirstBank Stadium, then a trip to Auburn. That early stretch gives the Commodores a strong home start before SEC play intensifies.
October brings a road trip to #3 Georgia, #9 Ole Miss at home, Arkansas at home, a road game at Kentucky, and the bye week. The consecutive ranked games will define the middle of the season.
November features a road trip to Mississippi State, #13 Alabama at home, a road game at Florida, and #20 Tennessee at home. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible SEC Championship appearance.
Home Games at FirstBank Stadium
Eight home dates appear on the 2026 Vanderbilt football schedule:
- September 5 vs. Austin Peay
- September 12 vs. Delaware
- September 19 vs. NC State
- October 10 vs. #9 Ole Miss
- October 17 vs. Arkansas
- November 14 vs. #13 Alabama
- November 28 vs. #20 Tennessee
The Ole Miss, Alabama and Tennessee games will generate the strongest crowds in Nashville.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 Vanderbilt football schedule.
The October 3 road game at #3 Georgia is an early SEC measuring stick. The October 10 home date against #9 Ole Miss is a key ranked test. The November 14 home game against #13 Alabama will likely decide late-season momentum.
Win two of those three and the Commodores stay in control of their path toward a possible December 5 SEC Championship appearance in Atlanta.
Where to Watch Vanderbilt Commodores Football
Confirmed networks on the 2026 Vanderbilt Commodores Football schedule:
- SECN+ (Sept. 5 vs. Austin Peay)
- SECN (Sept. 12 vs. Delaware and Sept. 19 vs. NC State)
- ABC (Dec. 5 SEC Championship)
Most remaining SEC 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. Austin Peay, 7:00 p.m. ET, SECN+
- Oct. 3 — At #3 Georgia
- Oct. 10 — #9 Ole Miss at home
- Oct. 31 — Bye week
- Nov. 14 — #13 Alabama at home
- Nov. 28 — #20 Tennessee at home
- Dec. 5 — Potential SEC Championship in Atlanta, 4:00 p.m. ET, ABC
The 2026 Vanderbilt football schedule opens with three home games and builds toward ranked tests. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does Vanderbilt open the 2026 season?
Vanderbilt opens the 2026 season at home against Austin Peay on Saturday, September 5 at 7:00 p.m. ET on SECN+.
How many home games do the Vanderbilt Commodores have in 2026?
The Commodores have seven home games at FirstBank Stadium on the 2026 Vanderbilt football schedule: Austin Peay, Delaware, NC State, #9 Ole Miss, Arkansas, #13 Alabama, and #20 Tennessee.
Who do the Vanderbilt Commodores play on November 14?
On November 14 the Commodores host #13 Alabama at FirstBank Stadium. Time and TV are still TBA.
What channel are Vanderbilt games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include SECN+, SECN, and ABC. Most SEC games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
