HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Samford football team will open the 2026 season and the John Grass era with a neutral-site game against North Alabama at Joe Davis Stadium in Huntsville.
 
The game, which is set for Aug. 29, was announced at a press conference hosted by the Huntsville Sports Commission Friday at Joe Davis Stadium. The game is set for a 6 p.m. kickoff and tickets will go on sale in February with several fan-friendly experiences planned inside and outside the stadium.
 
"We are excited about the opportunity to open the 2026 season and the John Grass era at this great venue in Huntsville," Samford Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Martin Newton said. "Taking on a quality in-state opponent at a neutral site is a great way to kick off the season and we are thankful to the city of Huntsville and the Huntsville Sports Commission for this opportunity. We look forward to a great experience at Joe Davis Stadium on August 29."   
 
Samford and North Alabama have met 13 previous times, but the teams have not played since the 2002 season. The first meeting in the historic series occurred in 1913 and the series has been extremely competitive, with UNA holding a 6-5-2 series lead.
 
The announcement of the game completes Samford's 2026 schedule. The Bulldogs' home opener is set for Sept. 5, when the Bulldogs host Southern Illinois at Pete Hanna Stadium.
 
Season tickets for the 2026 season can be purchased at the following link: SEASON TICKETS. Samford's full schedule for the upcoming season is below.
 
2026 SAMFORD FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
 

DATE	OPPONENT
Aug. 29	vs. North Alabama%
Sept. 5	Southern Illinois
Sept. 12	at Tennessee Tech*
Sept. 26	VMI*
Oct. 3	at UAB
Oct. 10	at Chattanooga*
Oct. 17	Mercer*
Oct. 24	at Furman*
Oct. 31	Wofford*
Nov. 7	at ETSU*
Nov. 14	Western Carolina*
Nov. 21	at Auburn

                                         
                        
                                 
                       
                                               
                                                  
                               
                                           
                                        
                                            
                                            
                            
                                          
 

*-Southern Conference Game
%-Huntsville, Ala. (Joe Davis Stadium)
 
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