UCF Football Adds Friday Night Games, Including 'Space Game'

The Knights' 2026 schedule features two Friday home matchups against Big 12 opponents.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:59pm

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A vibrant, cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a college football game, using the official team colors of UCF, Baylor, and Iowa State to conceptually represent the energy and excitement of these Friday night matchups.UCF's new Big 12 schedule features unique Friday night home matchups that will showcase the program's brand and energy.Today in Orlando

The University of Central Florida football team will play two Friday night home games during the 2026 season, the Big 12 Conference announced. UCF's matchups against Baylor on October 30 and Iowa State on November 20 will both be moved to weekday time slots.

Why it matters

The Friday night games, including what's being called the 'Space Game' against Iowa State, will provide unique scheduling and branding opportunities for UCF as it enters its first season as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The weeknight slots could also boost attendance and viewership for the Knights' home contests.

The details

UCF's Friday night home games in 2026 will be against Baylor on October 30 and Iowa State on November 20. The Iowa State matchup has been dubbed the 'Space Game' due to its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center on Florida's Space Coast.

  • UCF will play Baylor at home on Friday, October 30, 2026.
  • UCF will host Iowa State on Friday, November 20, 2026 in the 'Space Game'.

The players

UCF

The University of Central Florida football team, which will be joining the Big 12 Conference starting in the 2026 season.

Baylor

A fellow Big 12 Conference member that will face UCF in a Friday night home game on October 30, 2026.

Iowa State

A Big 12 Conference opponent that will play UCF in the 'Space Game' on Friday, November 20, 2026.

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What’s next

UCF will release its full 2026 football schedule in the coming months, providing more details on kickoff times and television coverage for the Friday night games.

The takeaway

UCF's move to the Big 12 Conference is bringing new scheduling opportunities, including high-profile Friday night home games that could boost the program's profile and fan engagement.