Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
2026 College Football schedule: Must-see games in Birmingham
Reading time: 3 minutes
Are you ready for some football Birmingham?
The 2026 College Football season in The Magic City kicks off Aug. 29 with the inaugural Birmingham Football Classic at historic Legion Field between Alabama State University and Southern University.
Read on to learn all the upcoming college football home openers and the games you need to circle on your calendars.
Two Classics at Legion Field
This year, Alabama State University comes to Birmingham twice to play two Classics at the “Grey Old Lady” Legion Field.
On Aug. 29, the Hornets begin their 2026 campaign against Southern University for the first ever Birmingham Football Classic. The nationally televised game will feature two SWAC powerhouses on a neutral field. It will also be the first time fans can see both university’s legendary bands — Bama State’s Mighty Marching Hornets and Southern University’s Human Jukebox.
Circle the Calendar Oct. 31: Of course, Alabama State fans get to return to Birmingham this year on Halloween to take on Alabama A&M for the Magic City Classic. More than a game, the game draws 200,000+ fans nationwide to Legion Field, which by the way turns 99 years old this season.
UAB opens with crucial league opener
Fans of UAB will get to see how good second year head coach Alex Mortensen’s Blazers are going to be when they visit Big Ten opponent Illinois on Thursday night on Sep. 3.
But their first home game at Protective Stadium is against conference rival Louisiana-Monroe on Sep. 12, 2:30PM.
Will UAB “pack” Protective? If they can pull-off an upset up north, it just might happen.
Circle the Calendar: Last year UAB welcomed the Army Scarlet Knights to Protective. This year on Sep. 25 it is the Navy’s turn to take on the Blazers. Other notable home games:
- Oct. 3 – Samford University
- Oct. 15 – East Carolina for Homecoming (Note: it is on a Thursday night!)
Samford begins a new era
Back in December Samford University hired new head coach John Grass from Clemson. How are the Bulldogs going to commemorate his first home game against Southern Illinois University?
With a “red out!”
The game is set for Thursday, Sep. 3 under the lights at Seibert Stadium.
Circle the Calendar: Even though it is not officially at home, the game on everyone’s calendar Birmingham this year is UAB on Oct. 3 at Protective.
Homecoming this year is Nov. 14 against Western Carolina.
Miles College looking to bounce back in 2026
Look for some significant improvement this year from the Miles College Golden Bears who finished 3-8 in 2025.
They do begin the season visiting HBCU powerhouse Alcorn State and then Alabama A&M.
Their first home game at Sloan – Alumni Stadium is on Sep. 12 against Edwards Waters.
Circle the Calendar: For Homecoming this year Miles College is playing SIAC rival Lane College.
Are there any particular Birmingham college football games you are looking forward to in 2026? Tell us on social media which ones we should keep our eyes on in 2026 by tagging us in the comments at @bhamnow
