Bears reveal balanced 12-game football schedule for 2026 season

CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas’ 2026 season is taking shape and the Bears’ updated schedule gives fans plenty to look forward to both at home and on the road.

UCA announced its revised 2026 football schedule Wednesday, with changes driven by North Dakota State University’s reclassification and expansion within the United Athletic Conference.

The result is a well-balanced slate that should keep fans engaged from late August through late November.

The Bears will play a 12-game schedule that splits evenly — six home games and six road games — with five non-conference matchups and seven UAC games on the docket.

UCA’s bye week falls on October 3.

The schedule gives the Bears a mix of familiar opponents and fresh challenges, including a high-profile road trip to a Power Four program.

A Busy Non-Conference Slate

UCA kicks off the season on August 27th with a road trip to UT Martin before returning home to face the University of Central Oklahoma on September 12th.

The non-conference schedule continues with road games at Southeast Missouri State on September 19th and at Florida State University on September 26th.

The Bears round out non-conference play at home against the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on October 24th.

That trip to Tallahassee stands out as one of the marquee non-conference dates on UCA’s schedule, giving the Bears a shot at a nationally recognizable opponent.

Conference Play and New Faces in the UAC

On the UAC side, the Bears welcome four new or returning opponents to Conway. West Florida comes to town on September 5, North Alabama on October 31, West Georgia on November 7 and Austin Peay on November 21.

UCA’s road conference slate includes games at Abilene Christian on October 10, at Tarleton State on October 17 and at Eastern Kentucky on November 14.

One of the bigger storylines surrounding this schedule is the addition of West Florida to the UAC. Bearsoach Nathan Brown didn’t hide his enthusiasm for what that means for the conference’s long-term credibility.

“I’m excited about the edition of West Florida,” Brown said. “I think for the future of the United Athletic Conference, as far as the football side of things, it’s a big deal. You’re talking about a team over the last decade in Division 2 football that has been one of the powerhouse programs. So, it adds instant credibility to our conference. It’s obviously a great addition.”

Home Games Get Themed Weekends

Five of the Bears’ six home games will carry a specific theme this fall.

The September 5 opener serves as the “Home Opener,” while September 12 is designated “Family Weekend/Band Day.”

October 24 becomes “Hall of Fame Weekend,” October 31 is “Homecoming,” and November 21 wraps up the home slate as “Senior Day/Salute to Service.”

Those themed weekends add an extra layer of meaning to the home schedule, giving fans and student-athletes alike dates to circle on the calendar.

Brown Excited About UTRGV Addition

Brown also addressed the addition of UTRGV to the non-conference schedule and he made clear the Bears aren’t taking that game lightly.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to host another home non-conference game with UTRGV,” Brown said. “I have a lot of respect for that program and what they’re doing. Coach Travis Bush is a good friend of mine. I have a lot of respect for how he runs a program.

“They really made a splash last year in the Southland Conference and they are one of the premier up and coming programs at Division 1 FCS football. So I think it’s going to be a great challenge.”

Brown also put the six home games in broader context, noting it’s a meaningful advantage for a program that’s traditionally played well in front of its home crowd.

“To get both West Florida and UTRGV at home — one of those being a conference game with West Florida and the other being a non-conference game — but putting us at six home games, I mean, that’s huge,” Brown said. “When you’ve got a 12-game schedule and half your games are at home, that’s a big deal. We play well at home, typically. And so, playing two formidable opponents on the stripes is a great opportunity for our program.”

Spring Game on the Horizon

Before the fall schedule arrives, UCA fans will get their first look at the team this spring.

The Bears will wrap up their spring season with their annual Spring Game on Saturday at 1 p.m. on the Stripes.

That game gives coaches a final opportunity to evaluate their roster before the offseason sets in and it gives fans a preview of what’s coming in the fall.

With a balanced home-and-away schedule, competitive non-conference games and meaningful UAC matchups throughout October and November, the Bears’ 2026 slate sets up as one worth watching from start to finish.