ETSU Football Announces Challenging 2026 Schedule

Bucs to face North Dakota State, North Carolina in non-conference play

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:39pm

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East Tennessee State University's football team has unveiled its 2026 schedule, which features a pair of tough non-conference matchups against North Dakota State and North Carolina. The Bucs will open the season at home against Campbell before traveling to face the FCS powerhouse Bison and then the ACC's Tar Heels.

Why it matters

ETSU is looking to build on back-to-back 7-5 seasons and make a push for the Southern Conference title. Facing high-caliber opponents like NDSU and UNC will test the Bucs early and provide valuable experience ahead of their conference slate.

The details

The Bucs will open the 2026 season at home against the Campbell Camels on August 29. They then hit the road for a September 5 matchup at North Dakota State, a team that defeated ETSU 28-25 two years ago. The following week, ETSU travels to Chapel Hill to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels and head coach Bill Belichick. The Bucs wrap up non-conference play by hosting West Georgia on September 19, looking to avenge a 2025 loss to the Wolves.

  • The 2026 ETSU football schedule was officially announced on January 29, 2026.
  • The Bucs open the season at home against Campbell on August 29, 2026.
  • ETSU travels to face North Dakota State on September 5, 2026.
  • The Bucs visit North Carolina on September 12, 2026.
  • ETSU hosts West Georgia on September 19, 2026.

The players

Will Healy

Head coach of the ETSU football team.

Bill Belichick

Head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels football team and eight-time Super Bowl champion.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited for the challenge of this schedule. Playing teams like North Dakota State and North Carolina will really test our team and prepare us for the rigors of Southern Conference play.”

— Will Healy, Head Coach, ETSU Football

What’s next

ETSU will open preseason camp in August 2026 to prepare for the challenging non-conference slate.

The takeaway

ETSU's 2026 football schedule features several high-profile matchups that will test the Bucs early on and provide valuable experience as they aim to contend for the Southern Conference title. Facing FCS powerhouse North Dakota State and ACC opponent North Carolina will be a tall task, but a successful non-conference campaign could set the stage for a memorable season in Johnson City.