PINE BLUFF, AR. — The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions have officially announced their 2026 football schedule, highlighted by five home contests, two premier classic appearances, homecoming at Simmons Bank Field, and a nationally televised matchup against an SEC opponent.

The 2026 slate promises an exciting fall for Golden Lion fans, beginning in Week 0 on Saturday, August 29, when UAPB hosts Morehouse College in the Natural State Kickoff Classic at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas. The matchup marks a celebratory return to the capital city and continues UAPB's tradition of showcasing Golden Lions football on a premier stage in the state.

Just five days later, the Golden Lions will step into the national spotlight on Thursday, September 3, traveling to Columbia, Missouri, to face SEC foe Missouri in a nationally televised matchup on the SEC Network. The contest provides UAPB with an early-season marquee opportunity against one of the nation's premier conferences.

On Saturday, September 12, UAPB will travel to Memphis, Tennessee, to take on Alcorn State at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium as part of the 36th Annual Southern Heritage Classic. The matchup renews a competitive SWAC rivalry on a regional stage and continues the Golden Lions' strong presence in high-profile neutral-site contests.

The Golden Lions return home to Pine Bluff on September 19 to host Central State in their Simmons Bank Field home opener before heading to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on October 3 to face Southern in conference play.

One of the most anticipated dates of the season will take place on Saturday, October 17, when UAPB hosts Alabama State at Simmons Bank Field for Homecoming. The annual celebration will bring alumni, students, and supporters back to Pine Bluff for a weekend filled with tradition, pride, and Southwestern Athletic Conference competition.

Following Homecoming, UAPB will continue SWAC play with a road trip to Florida A&M on October 24 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Golden Lions then return to Pine Bluff on October 31 to host Bethune-Cookman before traveling to Grambling State on November 7 in Grambling, Louisiana. UAPB closes out the regular season at home on November 14 against Prairie View A&M at Simmons Bank Field for Senior Day, before wrapping up the season on the road against Texsas Southern November 21. 

In total, the Golden Lions will host five home games in 2026, including the Natural State Kickoff Classic in Little Rock and four contests at Simmons Bank Field in Pine Bluff with Central State, Alabama State, Bethune-Cookman, and Prairie View A&M.

Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Chris Robinson believes the 2026 schedule provides exciting opportunities for Golden Lion Nation both at home and on major stages across the region.

"Our fans are going to be extremely excited about this schedule," Robinson said. "We're returning to Memphis to compete in the 36th Annual Southern Heritage Classic, one of the premier HBCU events in the country, and we're also heading back to Little Rock for the Natural State Kickoff Classic at War Memorial Stadium, another place our UAPB fans proudly call home. When you combine those classic environments with four games at Simmons Bank Field and Homecoming against Alabama State, it sets the stage for a tremendous 2026 season for Golden Lion football."
 

2026 UAPB Football Schedule

• Aug. 29 – vs. Morehouse College
  (Natural State Kickoff Classic – Little Rock, AR)

• Sept. 3 – at Missouri
  (SEC Network – Columbia, MO)

• Sept. 12 – vs. Alcorn State
  (Memphis, TN – Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium | Southern Heritage Classic)

• Sept. 19 – vs. Central State
  (Pine Bluff, AR – Simmons Bank Field)

• Oct. 3 – at Southern
  (Baton Rouge, LA)

• Oct. 17 – vs. Alabama State
  (Homecoming – Pine Bluff, AR – Simmons Bank Field)

• Oct. 24 – at Florida A&M
  (Tallahassee, FL)

• Oct. 31 – vs. Bethune-Cookman
  (Pine Bluff, AR – Simmons Bank Field)

• Nov. 7 – at Grambling State
  (Grambling, LA)

• Nov. 14 – vs. Prairie View A&M
  (Pine Bluff, AR – Simmons Bank Field)

• Nov. 21 – at Texas Southern
  (Houston, TX)