Bethune-Cookman University has announced its football schedule for the 2026 season. The team, led by head coach Raymond Woodie Jr., will play six home games at Daytona Stadium and five away games. The season will conclude with the Florida Blue Florida Classic against Florida A&M.
The Wildcats start their season on September 3 with an away game against UCF at the Acrisure Bounce House. This will mark the 18th meeting between Bethune-Cookman and UCF, with their last matchup occurring in 2021.
Bethune-Cookman’s first home game is scheduled for September 12 against Stetson University. This marks the inaugural football contest between the two schools. The home opener begins a four-game stretch at Daytona Stadium that continues into conference play.
Homecoming is set for September 19 and will feature a game against Virginia Lynchburg. This is only the second time these teams have met; Bethune-Cookman won their first encounter in 2018 with a score of 79-16.
“Homecoming isn’t about timing. It’s about identity. At Bethune-Cookman, we don’t wait for moments—we create them. Built by a trailblazer. Powered by purpose. Tradition honored. Confidence unmatched. Whenever Homecoming lands, it lands with meaning. Wildcats. All of us, all in,” according to a statement from the university.
On September 26, South Carolina State—the reigning Cricket Celebration Bowl champion—will visit Daytona Beach to face Bethune-Cookman. Last year, South Carolina State defeated B-CU after a three-year break in their series.
Bethune-Cookman will host Alabama State on October 3 to begin SWAC play. In their last home meeting, Alabama State narrowly defeated B-CU with a score of 26-21.
The following two weeks include road games against Alabama A&M (October 10) and Mississippi Valley State (October 17). Bethune-Cookman achieved victories over both teams last year and aims to secure its fifth consecutive win over Mississippi Valley State.
On October 24, Jackson State—last year’s SWAC runner-up—will travel to Daytona Stadium to face the Wildcats before they go on the road again to play Arkansas Pine-Bluff (October 31) and Southern (November 7). Historically, Bethune-Cookman holds an undefeated record against Arkansas Pine-Bluff (3-0).
Senior Day will take place on November 14 during the final home game against Grambling State Tigers at Daytona Stadium.
The regular season ends with the annual Florida Blue Florida Classic versus Florida A&M on November 21. Last year’s event saw Bethune-Cookman claim victory with a walk-off win of 38-34 over Florida A&M.
Details regarding ticket sales are expected soon.
