The Merrimack Warriors have announced their 2026 football schedule, which features two games against FBS opponents and 12 contests overall.
The 2026 season will be the third for Merrimack as an Independent in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) following its departure from the Northeast Conference (NEC).
“I cannot wait to kick off the 2026 football schedule,” Merrimack athletic director Joe Foley said. “Our home games will bring all northeast regional rivals to pack the house at Duane Stadium. The energy and pageantry of tailgating and college football will be strong on campus at Merrimack this fall. In addition, I look forward to bringing the Merrimack brand on the road to new markets as we play games in Texas, North Carolina, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire and New Jersey. I know our young men are working hard and ready for an exciting 2026 football season!”
The Warriors open the campaign on Friday, August 28 at home against Rhode Island, marking their first season opener at Duane Stadium in North Andover since 2022.
Merrimack then begins a three‑game road swing, traveling to FBS Delaware on September 3, Maine on September 12, and Tarleton State on September 19 in the program’s first‑ever trip to Stephenville. The Warriors return home on September 26 to host New Haven before heading back on the road October 3 for a matchup at Yale.
Merrimack’s slate continues on October 17 with a road trip to Dartmouth, followed by consecutive home games on October 24 against New Hampshire and October 31 against Wagner. The Warriors then face their second FBS opponent of the year on November 7 when they travel to Wake Forest.
Merrimack closes the regular season with a visit to Monmouth on November 14 , followed by a home tilt on November 21 against Sacred Heart.
Below is Merrimack’s complete schedule for the 2026 season, plus a link to their schedule page which will be updated with kickoff times and TV as they are announced:
2026 Merrimack Football Schedule
08/28 – Rhode Island
09/03 – at Delaware
09/12 – at Maine
09/19 – at Tarleton State
09/26 – New Haven
10/03 – at Yale
10/17 – at Dartmouth
10/24 – New Hampshire
10/31 – Wagner
11/07 – at Wake Forest
11/14 – at Monmouth
11/21 – Sacred Heart
Merrimack finished the 2025 season 4-8 overall. It was the second season under the guidance of head coach Mike Gennetti, who now holds a 9-14 record at the school.
View Comments (6)
I'm surprised they're remaining an independent----do they want to be in a college.
Patriot? CAA?
It would be nice if they were in either Patriot or CAAA & I have zero issues with Merrimack Football remaining Independent & I am excellent with it.
Doubt the Patriot would take them as I do not believe they fit academically. The CAA should absolutely add them to bring the total to an even 14 and allow the league to be split with the New England schools and Albany in one division and the Mid-Atlantic/South-Atlantic schools in the other which would limit travel.
Good News Gerry I fully agree with your post.
The CAA makes most sense. Those of us up here at UMaine wouldn't have a problem having less road trips to North Carolina and Virginia.
Thursday evening 9/3 Delaware hosting Merrimack & should be interesting how Merrimack will fare as an FCS Independent.