The Ave Maria Football team has unveiled its 2026 schedule, featuring an 11-game regular season for the first time since 2021. The lineup includes four non-conference matchups and seven Sun Conference games, with six games hosted at Gyrene Field. Head coach Joe Patterson expressed enthusiasm for the home advantage provided by their fan base and the competitive nature of the upcoming games. The season kicks off on September 5 against Lindsey Wilson and concludes at home on November 14 against Southeastern Fire, also marking Senior Day.

By the Numbers
  • 11 games in the regular season, with 4 non-conference and 7 conference games.
  • 6 home games at Gyrene Field, the most since 2020.
  • Ave Maria has a home record of 20-13 since lights were installed in 2018.
State of Play
  • The first two games feature matchups against ranked Mid-South Conference teams from 2025.
  • The season kicks off with a non-conference game against Lindsey Wilson, ranked 7th in 2025.
  • October 17 game against Thomas will honor Hometown Heroes and Military Appreciation.
What's Next

Expect the team to leverage its home field advantage during the season, especially with the high-stakes matchups against ranked opponents. The anticipation builds towards homecoming on October 24 and the potential for a strong season finish with a home crowd.

Bottom Line

Ave Maria's 2026 schedule emphasizes local fan engagement, competitive challenges, and a promising home advantage, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.