— By Bill Cornwell
Marshall football fans can line up their plans for the 2026 season as the Herd’s schedule for the upcoming campaign has been released.
The slate features six games in Huntington and six away from home.
“We are excited to get our 2026 schedule finalized and it should be an exciting schedule for our fans to see,” head coach Tony Gibson said. “We want to compete for an SBC Championship, and we need our fans with us to do so. We are busy at work in spring practice preparing for the season and look forward to seeing our fans in Joan C. Edwards Stadium for the Spring Game on April 11 and for games this fall.”
The season starts Saturday, September 5 with a trip to Happy Valley to face perennial powerhouse Penn State for the first time. Having played Ohio State in 2024 and opened at Georgia in 2025, this marks the third straight season Marshall has an early season matchup with one of the sport’s top programs.
The home opener comes a week later when Marshall welcomes Middle Tennessee to Huntington on September 12. Gibson claimed his first road win as Herd head coach last season against the Blue Raiders.
Marshall travels to Missouri State on September 19 in hopes of avenging a 21-20 loss to the Bears last season.
The Herd will host Gardner-Webb on September 26 for Homecoming Saturday in Huntington. The Bulldogs are a FCS program and finished 7-5 in 2025.
A matchup at defending Sun Belt Conference champion James Madison looms for the league opener October 3.
Two home games follow, starting October 10 with Coastal Carolina, followed by a Tuesday night contest on October 20 against the South Alabama Jaguars.
“As part of the Sun Belt Conference’s television rights agreement with ESPN, member institutions are periodically selected to play nationally-televised mid-week games,” said Gerald J. Harrison, Marshall Vice President and Director of Athletics. “While these dates fall outside the traditional Saturday schedule, they provide a unique opportunity to showcase a program and university on a national stage.
“It’s a chance to spotlight Herd Nation — the best fans in the Sun Belt Conference and to welcome South Alabama to the Joan for the first time.”
October ends with a game on Halloween at Old Dominion
Marshall’s first November game comes on the 7th at Georgia Southern, followed by the final two home games of the season — November 14 versus Appalachian State and November 21 against Georgia State.
The Appalachian State game will mark the annual remembrance of the November 14, 1970 plane crash.
Marshall ends the regularseason on November 28 with a visit to UL-Monroe.
Marshall officials say fans with season tickets last year can now renew their orders and new purchases can also be made.
Marshall also announced a new budget-saving idea for families who want to attend games at Joan C. Edwards Stadium — a family-priced concession stand within Joan C Edwards Stadium. ‘Stand 12’ will offer $2 hot dogs and popcorn along with $5 pretzels and nachos.
2026 Marshall Football Schedule
Sept. 5 at Penn State
Sept. 12 Middle Tennessee
Sept. 19 at Missouri State
Sept. 26 Gardner-Webb#
Oct. 3 at James Madison*
Oct. 10 Coastal Carolina*
Oct. 20 South Alabama*
Oct. 31 at Old Dominion*
Nov. 7 at Georgia Southern*
Nov. 14 Appalachian State*
Nov. 21 Georgia State*
Nov. 28 at UL Monroe*
* = Sun Belt Conference game
# = Homecoming 2026