FRISCO, Texas – The Southland Conference unveiled its 10-member league schedules for the 2026 season Tuesday morning. Lamar University's nine-game conference schedule will include five home dates with familiar foes like Northwestern State and Stephen F. Austin making the trip to Beaumont.
 
The Cardinals will kick off league play Saturday, Sept. 26 with a trip to Thibodaux, La. (vs. Nicholls), before the conference home opener the following week against Northwestern State. The game against the Demons will start one of two two-game homestands for the Red and White in league play. Big Red will host UIW October 10. The remaining home games will be Saturday, Oct. 24 against Houston Christian, Nov. 7^th against Stephen F. Austin with Senior Day scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14^th against East Texas A&M.
 
The annual Battle of The Border rivalry game against McNeese will take place in Week 12 in Lake Charles, La. (Nov. 21^st).
 
The Cardinals kickoff the season Saturday, Aug. 29^th with a rematch of their 2025 playoff opponent, Abilene Christian. Lamar will then hit the road for games at UL Lafayette (Sept. 5^th) and Idaho (Sept. 12^th). The Cardinals will hold their open week before starting conference play.