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Arkansas Football Kicks Off 2026 Season
28 Aug
Summary
- Multiple Arkansas college football teams are starting their 2026 season.
- New head coaches are leading some programs like the Razorbacks.
- Several teams aim for conference titles and postseason play.
Football season officially returns to Arkansas, with college teams across various divisions launching their 2026 campaigns. The Arkansas Razorbacks, under first-year coach Ryan Silverfield, will begin their season on September 5th against North Alabama, featuring quarterback KJ Jackson and top defender Quincy Rhodes Jr. Arkansas State Red Wolves, led by sixth-year coach Butch Jones, open their season on September 5th at Memphis, boasting preseason All-American wide receiver Chauncy Cobb and running back Kenyon Clay as they target a Sun Belt title.
Central Arkansas Bears will also kick off their season on August 27th against UT Martin, aiming for improvement with Conway native Donovyn Omolo at quarterback and experienced defenders. The Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions begin their season on August 29th at War Memorial Stadium, led by running back Jaylen Jennings and linebacker Danarius Hilliard, with hopes of winning the SWAC.
In Division II, Harding Bisons enter 2026 ranked No. 2 nationally after a strong 2025 season, with new head coach Roddy Mote at the helm. Other teams like Ouachita Baptist Tigers and Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys aim to contend for conference championships, building on successful seasons in 2025. Southern Arkansas Muleriders and Henderson State Reddies also seek to continue their winning momentum from previous years.
