The SMU football schedule 2026 opens on the road at Florida State on September 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The SMU Mustangs football schedule 2026 features 13 regular-season games plus a potential ACC Championship berth, with a mid-October bye and a high-profile trip to #4 Notre Dame in November.
Gerald J. Ford Stadium hosts seven home dates on the SMU football schedule 2026. The toughest stretch lands in late November with consecutive road games at Notre Dame and Stanford.
2026 SMU Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | at Florida State SeminolesDoak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL | 7:30pm ETESPN | ||
| Saturday | UC Davis AggiesGerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX | 4:00pm ETACCNX | ||
| Saturday | at 24 Louisville CardinalsL&N Stadium, Louisville, KY | 3:30pm ETESPN or ESPN2 | ||
| Saturday | Missouri State BearsGerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX | Time TBA ETESPN network | ||
| Saturday | Boston College EaglesGerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | OFF | |||
| Saturday | Virginia CavaliersGerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | California Golden BearsGerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at Syracuse OrangeJMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Friday | Virginia Tech HokiesGerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX | 7:00pm ETESPN | ||
| Saturday | Wake Forest Demon DeaconsGerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 4 Notre Dame Fighting IrishNotre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IN | 7:30pm ETNBC/Peacock | ||
| Saturday | at Stanford CardinalStanford Stadium, Stanford, CA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | vs ACC ChampionshipBank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC | 12:00pm ETABC |
How the SMU Football Schedule 2026 Sets Up
September mixes an early ranked road test with home opportunities on the SMU Mustangs football schedule 2026. A trip to Florida State on ESPN, UC Davis at home, a road game at #24 Louisville, and Missouri State at home. That opening stretch gives the Mustangs two home games and two demanding road contests right away.
October brings Boston College at home, the bye week, then home dates against Virginia and California before a road trip to Syracuse. The mid-month bye provides a chance to reset before the final stretch of ACC play.
November features Virginia Tech at home on ESPN, Wake Forest at home, then consecutive road games at #4 Notre Dame on NBC/Peacock and Stanford. That closing stretch will decide seeding for a possible ACC Championship appearance.
Home Games at Gerald J. Ford Stadium
Seven home dates appear on the SMU football schedule 2026:
- September 12 vs. UC Davis
- September 26 vs. Missouri State
- October 3 vs. Boston College
- October 17 vs. Virginia
- October 24 vs. California
- November 6 vs. Virginia Tech
- November 14 vs. Wake Forest
The Virginia Tech and Wake Forest games will generate the strongest crowds in Dallas.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the SMU football schedule 2026.
The September 7 road opener at Florida State sets the tone immediately. The September 19 trip to #24 Louisville is an early ACC measuring stick. The November 21 game at #4 Notre Dame on NBC/Peacock is the biggest national stage on the slate.
Win two of those three and the Mustangs stay in control of their path toward a possible December 5 ACC Championship appearance in Charlotte.
Where to Watch SMU Football: TV and Streaming
Confirmed networks on the SMU TV schedule 2026:
- ESPN (Sept. 7 at Florida State and Nov. 6 vs. Virginia Tech)
- ACCNX (Sept. 12 vs. UC Davis)
- ESPN or ESPN2 (Sept. 19 at Louisville)
- ESPN network (Sept. 26 vs. Missouri State)
- NBC/Peacock (Nov. 21 at Notre Dame)
- ABC (Dec. 5 ACC Championship)
Most remaining ACC games still list TV as TBA. Expect the usual mix of ESPN networks and ACC Network once the final assignments drop.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Sept. 7 — Season opener at Florida State, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
- Sept. 19 — At #24 Louisville, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN or ESPN2
- Oct. 10 — Bye week
- Nov. 21 — At #4 Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock
- Dec. 5 — Potential ACC Championship in Charlotte, noon, ABC
The SMU Mustangs football schedule 2026 opens with a tough road test and builds toward a November gauntlet. The Notre Dame game will still feel like the one circled in red.
FAQ
When does SMU open the 2026 season?
SMU opens the 2026 season on the road at Florida State on Monday, September 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
How many home games do the SMU Mustangs have in 2026?
The Mustangs have seven home games at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on the SMU football schedule 2026: UC Davis, Missouri State, Boston College, Virginia, California, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest.
Who do the SMU Mustangs play on November 21?
On November 21 the Mustangs travel to Notre Dame Stadium to face the #4 Fighting Irish at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock.
What channel are SMU games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include ESPN, ACCNX, ESPN or ESPN2, ESPN network, NBC/Peacock, and ABC. Most ACC games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
