The Mercyhurst football team is thrilled to announce its 2026 season schedule featuring four games at Saxon Stadium, including a celebration of the school's centennial year on homecoming. The Lakers will also take on three FBS opponents during the 2026 slate. 
 
The Lakers kick off the 2026 season in Week Zero as they meet regional rival Youngstown State Thursday, August 27. There's the added storyline to the early season matchup as former Mercyhurst head coach Ryan Riemedio has joined the Penguins sideline as their defensive coordinator.  
 
Mercyhurst will have a challenging start on the road with back-to-back away games against New Mexico State Sept. 5 and New Mexico Sept. 12. They play their third FBS opponent of the season at Western Kentucky Sept. 26. 
 
The team will then return home for a highly anticipated homecoming game Sept. 19 against Glenville State, where Mercyhurst will also celebrate its centennial anniversary.
 
The Lakers travel to LIU for the NEC opener Oct. 3. Mercyhurst scored a 22-13 win over the Sharks at Saxon Stadium last season to celebrate homecoming. 

After a bye week, Mercyhurst returns home to host Central Connecticut State Oct. 17.
 
The team will then hit the road again, facing Robert Morrsi Oct. 24 and Stonehill Oct. 31. November brings two home games, with the Lakers hosting Wagner Nov. 7 and concluding their home schedule against New Haven Nov. 21. Sandwiched between these home games is an away game at Duquesne Nov. 14.