Austin Peay State University Announces 2026 Football Schedule

Governors add three home games, season ticket renewals now open

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:07pm

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Austin Peay State University (APSU) has finalized its 2026 football schedule, which includes seven home games at Fortera Stadium. The Governors have added three new home games against Gardner-Webb, UT Martin, and New Haven. APSU will also face Vanderbilt, Morehead State, North Dakota State, Tarleton State, West Georgia, North Alabama, Eastern Kentucky, and Abilene Christian during the 2026 season. Season ticket renewals for the 2026 season are now available.

Why it matters

The announcement of the 2026 football schedule is an important milestone for APSU athletics, as it provides fans and the community with details on the upcoming season. The addition of three home games at Fortera Stadium is expected to boost attendance and revenue for the program. The Governors' matchups against in-state rivals like UT Martin and Eastern Kentucky, as well as high-profile opponents like Vanderbilt and North Dakota State, will generate excitement and interest in the team.

The details

The 2026 schedule features seven home games at Fortera Stadium, including a Week 0 contest against Gardner-Webb on August 27th. Other home games include UT Martin on September 26th and New Haven on October 3rd. The Governors will also travel to face Vanderbilt, Morehead State, North Dakota State, West Georgia, North Alabama, and Central Arkansas. APSU will open United Athletic Conference play against Tarleton State on October 10th and also face Eastern Kentucky and Abilene Christian at home.

  • The 2026 football season will kick off on August 27th with a home game against Gardner-Webb.
  • APSU will host UT Martin on September 26th and New Haven on October 3rd at Fortera Stadium.
  • The Governors will travel to face Vanderbilt on September 5th, North Dakota State on September 19th, West Georgia on October 17th, North Alabama on October 24th, and Central Arkansas on November 21st.
  • APSU will open United Athletic Conference play against Tarleton State on October 10th and host Eastern Kentucky on November 7th and Abilene Christian on November 14th.
  • Season ticket renewals for the 2026 season are now available online and through the APSU ticket office.

The players

Austin Peay State University

A public university located in Clarksville, Tennessee, and the home of the Governors athletic teams.

Gardner-Webb

A private university located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, and the home of the Runnin' Bulldogs athletic teams.

Vanderbilt Commodores

The athletic teams of Vanderbilt University, a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee, that competes in the Southeastern Conference.

UT Martin Skyhawks

The athletic teams of the University of Tennessee at Martin, a public university located in Martin, Tennessee, that competes in the Ohio Valley Conference.

New Haven Chargers

The athletic teams of the University of New Haven, a private university located in West Haven, Connecticut, that is transitioning from Division II to the FCS level.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Season ticket renewals for the 2026 football season are now available online on Ticketmaster or by calling the Austin Peay State University Ticket Office at 931.221.7329.

The takeaway

The 2026 Austin Peay State University football schedule features an exciting mix of in-state rivalries, high-profile matchups, and home games at Fortera Stadium, providing fans with a compelling slate of games to look forward to in the upcoming season.