OVC-Big South Football Announces 2026 Schedule
The OVC-Big South Football Association has just revealed its schedule for the 2026 season. This marks the fourth year of this exciting partnership, where eight teams will compete in a seven-game conference format.
The season kicks off on August 27, with Charleston Southern visiting Lindenwood. Most of the action starts on October 3 and runs through to November 21, closing out the regular season.
A highlight will be on October 10 when Lindenwood hosts Southeast Missouri State for their annual Game Ball Brawl. Last year, the Lions triumphed with a 30-13 score against the Redhawks. A week later, on October 17, they’ll travel to Eastern Illinois. Lindenwood wraps up October by hosting Tennessee State on October 31.
In November, the Lions have three important matchups. They will face Gardner-Webb on November 7, then head to UT Martin on November 14. Finally, they return home on November 21 to take on Western Illinois.
Last season, Lindenwood had a solid performance, finishing with a 6-6 record and achieving their best performance in association play with a 5-3 record.
Background on the OVC-Big South Association
The formation of this association began in February 2022, aiming to enhance the competitive landscape for football at the NCAA Division I level. The partnership between the Ohio Valley Conference and the Big South is expected to last at least until 2030. This collaboration allows member schools access to an automatic bid for the NCAA Division I Football Championship Playoffs along with offering greater stability and competitiveness.
The participating teams include Charleston Southern University, Eastern Illinois University, Gardner-Webb University, Lindenwood University, Southeast Missouri State University, Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee at Martin, and Western Illinois University.
As fans look forward to the season, social media buzz is growing, with many eager to discuss match predictions and rivalries. Engagement on platforms like Twitter and Instagram has already shown increased excitement around upcoming games, hinting at a lively season ahead.
With all these developments, it’s clear that the 2026 season will bring thrilling moments for players and fans alike!
