Missouri Southern Unveils 2026 Football Schedule

The Lions will play 11 games, including 5 home matchups at Fred G. Hughes Stadium.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:09am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping views of a football game, with players and the field rendered in bold, clashing colors and sharp, angular shapes.An artistic interpretation of the strategic complexity and dynamic action of college football, as Missouri Southern prepares for its 2026 season.Pittsburg Today

Missouri Southern football has announced its 2026 fall schedule, featuring 11 games with 5 home contests at Fred G. Hughes Stadium in Joplin. The Lions will open the season on the road against Midwestern State on August 29 before hosting their home opener against Upper Iowa on September 5. MSSU's 9-game MIAA conference slate includes home matchups against Central Missouri, Emporia State, Pittsburg State, and Central Oklahoma.

Why it matters

The release of the 2026 football schedule is an important milestone for Missouri Southern as they prepare for the upcoming season. The schedule features several key home games that will be important for building fan engagement and generating excitement around the program.

The details

The 2026 MSSU football schedule includes 11 total games, with 5 home contests at Fred G. Hughes Stadium in Joplin. The Lions will open the season on the road against Midwestern State on August 29 before hosting their home opener against Upper Iowa on September 5. After a week 3 bye, MSSU will begin its 9-game MIAA conference schedule, including home matchups against Central Missouri (Sept. 26), Emporia State for Homecoming (Oct. 10), Pittsburg State (Oct. 31), and Central Oklahoma for Senior Day (Nov. 7).

  • The 2026 MIAA season kicks off with the Association's Annual Football Media Day on Monday, July 27.
  • MSSU will host its 2026 Spring Game on Friday, April 17 at 5 p.m. CT.
  • The MSSU Football Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament will be held on Saturday, April 18.

The players

Missouri Southern

The NCAA Division II football program located in Joplin, Missouri.

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What’s next

Fans can look forward to the MIAA Football Media Day on July 27 to get the latest updates on the 2026 season, and the MSSU Spring Game on April 17 will give an early preview of the team.

The takeaway

The release of the 2026 MSSU football schedule provides an exciting look ahead for the Lions program and their loyal fanbase in Joplin. With a balanced home and away slate, including several key conference matchups at Fred G. Hughes Stadium, the team will have opportunities to build momentum and compete for an MIAA title in the upcoming season.