McNeese Football Releases 2026 Schedule

Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - The football year never stops. Even when fans don't see the McNeese Cowboys out practicing or playing inside Navarre Stadium, the preparation for the next season continues. Now more than ever, with the ever-changing landscape of College Athletics and the Transfer Portal.

Fans can take a peek towards the 2026 football season for the McNeese Cowboys, as on Tuesday Morning, the school officially released the 2025 schedule. We've got what you need to know...

Last season was the first year back coaching at McNeese for Hall of Fame coach Matt Viator. An up-and-down year for the Cowboys finished with McNeese winning three of their last four and finishing 5-7 on the season.

READ MORE: McNeese Signed 17 on Early Signing Day

In 2025, three Southland Conference teams made the FCS playoffs. McNeese is hoping to join the group of Stephen F Austin, Lamar, and Southeastern in the next few years or so. The 2026 schedule will feature FOUR teams that played in the 2025 FCS playoffs.

McNeese will also take a trip to Baton Rouge to face Lane Kiffin and LSU the first weekend in October.

Conference play will be busy this season, as the Southland Conference will use a nine-game league schedule, meaning McNeese will play every conference opponent. Home conference games include Stephen F Austin in Week Zero, Nicholls, Lamar, and East Texas A&M, while road trips will take the Cowboys to UTRGV, Northwestern State, UIW, HCU, and Southeastern.

Get our free mobile app

2026 McNeese Football Schedule

Aug. 29 - vs. Stephen F. Austin*
Sept. 5 - vs. Texas Wesleyan
Sept. 12 - vs. Tarleton State
Sept. 19 - at UTRGV*
Sept. 26 - vs. East Texas A&M*
Oct. 3 - at LSU
Oct. 10 - BYE
Oct. 17 - at Northwestern State*
Oct. 24 - at UIW*
Oct. 31 - vs. Nicholls*
Nov. 7 - at HCU*
Nov. 14 - at Southeastern*
Nov. 21 - vs. Lamar*