The Mercyhurst Lakers have announced their 2024 football schedule, which includes a total of eight games.
Mercyhurst, currently a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) in Division II, is moving up to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and will begin play in the Northeast Conference (NEC) this fall.
The Lakers will be ineligible for the NEC championship in their first season. Following a four-year reclassification period, Mercyhurst will attain its full membership status in 2028-29 and will be eligible for the FCS Playoffs at that time.
Mercyhurst opens the 2024 season with two consecutive non-conference contests on the road, beginning on Thursday, Aug. 29 against the Wheeling Cardinals and continuing on Saturday, Sept. 7 against the Howard Bison.
The Lakers will then travel to take on the Robert Morris Colonials on Sept. 14, which will also be their Northeast Conference opener.
After consecutive open dates, Mercyhurst will open its home slate at Saxon Stadium in Erie, Pa., against the Division III Buffalo State Bengals on Oct. 5. Mercyhurst then pays a visit to NEC foe Central Connecticut on Oct. 12.
A third open date for the Lakers is set for Oct. 19. The Lakers then make back-to-back road trips to play FCS Independent Sacred Heart on Oct. 26 and fellow NEC-member Duquesne on Nov. 2.
Three weeks later, Mercyhurst concludes its inaugural Division I schedule at home on Nov. 23 against Saint Francis U.
Below is Mercyhurst’s complete schedule for the 2024 season:
2024 Mercyhurst Football Schedule
- 08/29 – at Wheeling
- 09/07 – at Howard
- 09/14 – at Robert Morris*
- 09/21 – OFF
- 09/28 – OFF
- 10/05 – Buffalo State
- 10/12 – at Central Connecticut*
- 10/19 – OFF
- 10/26 – at Sacred Heart
- 11/02 – at Duquesne*
- 11/09 – OFF
- 11/16 – OFF
- 11/23 – Saint Francis U.*
* NEC contest.
Mercyhurst finished the 2022 season 2-9 overall, with a 1-6 mark in PSAC action. The Lakers are entering their third season under head coach Ryan Riemedio, who has a 4-17 overall record at the school.
Note: This article was edited to remove the Frostburg State game on Sept. 28 and add the Buffalo State game on Oct. 5.