BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University has set the kickoff times for 2026 football season announced Vice President and Director of Athletics Jeff O'Malley Wednesday morning. The 2026 home slate will consist of six contests including a one home non-conference game.
 
The Cardinals will kick off the 2026 season Saturday, Aug. 29^th in a rematch of the FCS Playoffs hosting Abilene Christian. The contest against the Wildcats will kick off at 6 p.m. and will be one of two 6 p.m. home starts for the Cardinals. Lamar will also kick off against Northwestern State Saturday, Oct. 3^rd and 6 p.m. The remainder of Lamar's home games will kick off at 3 p.m.
 
The 2026 season will be the fourth under the direction of head coach Pete Rossomando who has led the Cardinals to three-straight winning seasons, improved win totals every year and a berth in the 2025 NCAA FCS Playoffs – the program's second bid in program history. Each home games will take place at Provost Umphrey Stadium, and all home games will be streamed on ESPN+.