2026 Arkansas College Football Season Preview

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Football season is back across Arkansas as teams from the SEC to Division II, Division III and the NAIA prepare to kick off the 2026 campaign.

From Fayetteville and Jonesboro to Arkadelphia and Magnolia, here's a look at every Arkansas college football team entering the season.

• Coach: Ryan Silverfield (first year)
• 2025 Record: 2-10
• Season Opener: Sept. 5 vs. North Alabama
• Season Outlook: The Razorbacks enter 2026 looking to rebound under first-year head coach Ryan Silverfield. Arkansas has named KJ Jackson its starting quarterback and returns one of the SEC's top defensive playmakers in Bednarik Award watchlist candidate Quincy Rhodes Jr.

• Coach: Butch Jones (sixth season)
• 2025 Record: 7-6 (won Xbox Bowl)
• Season Opener: Sept. 5 at Memphis
• Season Outlook: Though the Red Wolves will feature a new starting quarterback in 2026, Arkansas State returns plenty of proven talent, including preseason All-American wide receiver Chauncy Cobb and running back Kenyon Clay. With multiple preseason All-Sun Belt selections on the roster, the Red Wolves enter the season with hopes of contending for a Sun Belt title and returning to postseason play.

• Coach: Nathan Brown (ninth season)
• 2025 Record: 3-9
• Season Opener: Aug. 27 at UT Martin
• Season Outlook: Central Arkansas hopes to rebound from a 3-9 campaign that featured several close losses in 2025. The Bears will turn to Conway native Donovyn Omolo at quarterback and return a core of experienced defenders, including preseason All-UAC selections Trevion Traylor, Ashtyn Williams and Marcus Washington, as they look to climb the conference standings.

• Coach: Alonzo Hampton (fourth season)
• 2025 Record: 4-8
• Season Opener: Aug. 29 vs. Morehouse College at War Memorial Stadium (Little Rock)
• Season Outlook: Despite a 4-8 record in 2025, UAPB returns plenty of talent, including five preseason All-SWAC selections led by running back Jaylen Jennings, wide receiver D'Avery Robinson and linebacker Danarius Hilliard. The Golden Lions enter 2026 hoping their experience and depth help them win the SWAC.

• 2025 Record: 15-1
• Season Opener: Sept. 3 vs. Northwestern Oklahoma State
• Season Outlook: After another trip to the Division II national championship game, Harding enters 2026 ranked No. 2 in the country. Under new head coach Roddy Mote and a host of new starters on offense, the Bisons hope for another late December trip to Texas.

• 2025 Record: 7-4
• Season Opener: Sept. 3 vs. East Central
• Season Outlook: The Tigers return a veteran roster and enter the season with hopes of competing for a Great American Conference title.

• 2025 Record: 7-5
• Season Opener: Sept. 3 vs. Southwestern Oklahoma State
• Season Outlook: After posting its first winning season since 2017, Arkansas Tech enters 2026 looking to build on that momentum.

• 2025 Record: 8-3
• Season Opener: Sept. 3 at Oklahoma Baptist
• Season Outlook: After finishing 8-3 and emerging as one of the top teams in the Great American Conference, the Muleriders hope to continue that success in 2026.

• 2025 Record: 8-3
• Season Opener: Sept. 3 at Southern Nazarene
• Season Outlook: The Reddies return significant experience from an 8-3 team and enter 2026 hoping to contend in a tough conference.

• 2025 Record: 2-9
• Season Opener: Sept. 3 vs. Southeast Oklahoma State
• Season Outlook: New head coach Gary Goff looks to help the Boll Weevils bounce back after a two-win season in 2025.

• 2025 Record: 6-4
• Season Opener: Sept. 12 vs. Huntingdon College
• Season Outlook: Picked near the top of the SCAC preseason poll, Hendrix enters 2026 hoping for a successful season.

• 2025 Record: 2-7
• Season Opener: Sept. 5 vs. East Texas Baptist
• Season Outlook: Lyon enters 2026 looking to improve after a challenging 2-7 campaign in 2025.

• 2025 Record: 2-7
• Season Opener: Aug. 27 vs. University of Pikeville
• Season Outlook: The Buffaloes enter 2026 looking to build momentum after a challenging 2025 season.

Looking for scores throughout the season? Visit our Arkansas College Football Scoreboard page for weekly results, schedules and updates from teams around the state.