RICHMOND, Ky. - The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) football team and the United Athletic Conference (UAC) have announced significant updates to the 2026 season. The UAC will have eight playing members with the University of West Florida joining as a football-only member.
 
As a result of this expansion, EKU has officially designated Saturday, Oct. 24, as the 2026 Homecoming Game at Roy Kidd Stadium, where the Colonels will host the West Florida Argonauts.
 
"We're excited to welcome our Colonel family back to campus for Homecoming," said EKU President David McFaddin. "This date gives everyone the chance to celebrate together and enjoy all the traditions that make EKU so special."
 
The selection of the Oct. 24 date for Homecoming also benefits the Richmond community by providing more flexibility around the annual Millstone Festival, which is held during the first weekend of October.
 
"We appreciate the university's collaboration in selecting a Homecoming date that does not overlap with the festival," said Kerri Hensley, director of economic and small business development for the City of Richmond. "This change gives our community the chance to come together for two full weekends of events and brings added support to our local businesses."
 
To accommodate the conference expansion, EKU will drop its non-conference road game against Southeast Missouri State, originally scheduled for Sept. 26. That week will now serve as the Colonels' open date. The revised schedule features six home games and six road contests.
 
Homecoming at EKU brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the Richmond community for a weekend of traditions, including the annual parade and block party. Additional details and a full schedule of events will be released as 2026 Homecoming approaches.
 
2026 EKU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
 

DATE	OPPONENT	LOCATION
8/29	at Western Carolina	Cullowhee, N.C.
9/5	at Jacksonville State	Jacksonville, Ala.
9/12	vs. Chattanooga	Richmond, Ky.
9/19	vs. Dayton	Richmond, Ky.
10/3	vs. North Alabama*	Richmond, Ky.
10/10	vs. West Georgia*	Richmond, Ky.
10/17	at Tennessee Tech	Cookeville, Tenn.
10/24	vs. West Florida* - HOMECOMING	Richmond, Ky.
10/31	at Tarleton State*	Stephenville, Texas
11/7	at Austin Peay*	Clarksville, Tenn.
11/14	vs. Central Arkansas*	Richmond, Ky.
11/21	at Abilene Christian*	Abilene, Texas

 
* United Athletic Conference Game