FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Fayetteville State University is proud to announce its 2026 Bronco football schedule, highlighted by a strong lineup of six home games, classic CIAA rivalries, and opportunities for alumni and supporters to reconnect with the University while continuing to invest in the future of Bronco Athletics.
 
The 2026 season opens with excitement in Fayetteville as the Broncos begin the year with three consecutive home games in the Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium, creating an early opportunity for alumni and donors to return to campus and help set the tone for the season.
 
FSU kicks off the year with its first conference game against Shaw University on Saturday, August 29 at 6:00 p.m., followed by a highly anticipated regional matchup with UNC Pembroke on September 5. The early home stretch concludes on September 12 as the Broncos welcome nationally respected Valdosta State, offering fans a marquee non‑conference showdown under the lights.
 
CIAA play returns on the road on September 19 at defending CIAA Champs Johnson C. Smith, before the Broncos return home to host conference contender Virginia Union on September 26. Fayetteville State travels to Salisbury to face Livingstone on October 3.
 
After an open date on October 10, the Broncos resume action at home on October 17, hosting Elizabeth City State in front of the Bronco HOMECOMING faithful. The regular-season home schedule concludes with Bowie State visiting Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium on October 31.
 
Road trips to Bluefield State on October 24 and Winston-Salem State (November 7) round out the regular season before the Broncos set their sights on postseason success. The top two teams in the conference will advance to the CIAA Football Championship, set for Saturday, November 14, in Durham, North Carolina.
2026 Fayetteville State Football Schedule

Aug. 29 (Sat.) – 6:00 PM
🏠 Shaw – Fayetteville, N.C.
Sept. 5 (Sat.) – 6:00 PM
🏠 UNC Pembroke – Fayetteville, N.C.
Sept. 12 (Sat.) – 6:00 PM
🏠 Valdosta State – Fayetteville, N.C.
Sept. 19 (Sat.) – TBA
✈ at Johnson C. Smith – Charlotte, N.C.
Sept. 26 (Sat.) – 6:00 PM
🏠 Virginia Union – Fayetteville, N.C.
Oct. 3 (Sat.) – 2:00 PM
✈ at Livingstone – Salisbury, N.C.
Oct. 10 (Sat.) – Open Date
Oct. 17 (Sat.) – 1:30 PM
🏠 Elizabeth City State – Fayetteville, N.C.
Oct. 24 (Sat.) – TBA
✈ at Bluefield State – Bluefield, W.Va.
Oct. 31 (Sat.) – 1:00 PM
🏠 Bowie State – Fayetteville, N.C.
Nov. 7 (Sat.) – 1:00 PM
✈ at Winston-Salem State – Winston-Salem, N.C.
Nov. 14 (Sat.) – TBA
🏆 CIAA Football Championship – Durham, N.C.