Delaware State unveils 2026 football schedule with big home opener
Hornets hope to build off their 2025 successes under coach DeSean Jackson this fall
A season opener on its home field and a matchup with a tough FBS-level foe highlight the Delaware State University football schedule announced by the school March 20. The Hornets open the 2026 season Aug. 27 against Coastal Athletic Association member Stony Brook at Alumni Stadium in Dover.
Coming off its best season in 18 years, DSU’s biggest test comes Sept. 19 at South Florida, an American Conference team that went 6-2 in its league and 9-4 overall last year, including early home wins over Top 25 foes Boise State and Florida. The second half of the season will be comprised of DSU’s five Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference games.
FCS-level teams such as Delaware State are now permitted to play 12 games ever year. ROSTER BUILDING: These transfer additions aim to boost DelState after breakthrough 2025 In other nonconference matchups to start the season, DSU faces three more CAA teams — William & Mary away Sept. 5, Towson at home Sept.
26 and Albany on the road Oct. 3. The Hornets also face two Division II foes at home — Bowie State, a foe they beat last year, on Sept.