STEPHENVILLE, Texas – The 2026 Tarleton State Football season begins soon. Fans can now finalize their fall schedules as the Texans announced on Monday their home game times for the upcoming season.
 
Tarleton State will open its 2026 slate under the lights at home, with a special game planned on Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. at Memorial Stadium. The remaining Texans' home games will each kick off at 6 p.m., as Tarleton State also plays in Stephenville on Sept. 19, Oct. 3, Oct. 17, Oct. 31 and Nov. 7.
 
The Texans' home opener on Aug. 29 at 8 p.m. will be broadcast nationally on ESPN 2, featuring Tarleton State and Prairie View A&M. It will be a Purple Out at Memorial Stadium, and the New Student Run will lead the pregame activities, as Tarleton State's new students are encouraged to participate. This is the third straight year that Tarleton State will open its season on ESPN 2, and for the second time in three years in Stephenville. The 8 p.m. kickoff will be the latest start time for a Tarleton State home game in at least the past 20 years. The Texans and Panthers will clash for the first time in series history, on the third day of the college football season.
 
Tarleton State will host Family Weekend on Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. as the Purple and White takes on Merrimack. The Texans and Warriors have never met before in football. Merrimack, from North Andover, Massachusetts, plays in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). The Warriors went 4-8 overall last season.
 
The Texans will have their open week on Sept. 26, then they'll be back at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. against Chicago State for their annual Legends Game. Tarleton State will also return its tradition of a Pink Out to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game. Chicago State has added football to its athletic slate for the first time, and this will be the Cougars' inaugural season.
 
Tarleton State's Homecoming will be Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. vs. Central Arkansas. The Texans are 4-0 against the Bears all-time, including a 2-0 mark in Stephenville. UCA finished the 2024 campaign 3-9 overall, 2-6 in UAC play. The Texans have set new attendance records at recent Homecoming games, including a Memorial Stadium record crowd of 24,012 at last year's game.
 
Tarleton State will host a Halloween game on Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. against Eastern Kentucky, which will also serve as Military Appreciation. The Texans earned their first win against EKU last season, 31-7 in Richmond, Kentucky.
 
On Nov. 7 at 6 p.m., the Texans will face their biggest rival on Senior Day. The Wildcats advanced to the second round of the FCS Playoffs last season, finishing 9-5 overall and 7-1 in UAC play, sharing the UAC championship with Tarleton State.
 
Tarleton State Football 2026 season tickets are on sale now, starting at just $75. Tarleton State Football mini-packs are also on sale, featuring the Purple and White Pack and the Premium Pack. The Purple and White Pack includes tickets to three Tarleton State Football games; Aug. 29 vs. Prairie View A&M (Purple Out), Oct. 17 vs. Central Arkansas (Homecoming), and Oct. 31 vs. Eastern Kentucky (Military Appreciation). Tickets in sections 102 and 106 are $84, in sections 103 and 105 are $94, and in sections 104 and 203 are $170. The Premium Pack includes tickets to three Tarleton State Football games; Sept. 19 vs. Merrimack (Family Weekend), Oct. 17 vs. Central Arkansas (Homecoming), and Nov. 7 vs. Abilene Christian (Senior Day). Tickets in sections 102 and 106 are $94, in sections 103 and 105 are $104, and in sections 104 and 203 are $184.