HAMILTON – Colgate University football has announced its schedule for the 2026 season, featuring a 12-game slate that includes five home contests at Andy Kerr Stadium, a Week 0 opener, and a mix of Patriot League, Ivy League, and FBS competition.
With the entry of Villanova and William & Mary as Patriot League football members, Colgate will play its first-ever nine-game league slate in addition to three non-league contests.
"We're really excited about the direction and strength of the Patriot League, and our 2026 schedule reflects that," said Fred '50 and Marilyn Dunlap Head Football Coach Curt Fitzpatrick. "Between a demanding Patriot League slate, quality Ivy League opponents, and an FBS matchup, our players will be tested week in and week out. Our players and coaches are driven to embrace those demands and prepare relentlessly for the season ahead."
The Raiders will begin the season early with a Week 0 road matchup at Fordham on Saturday, Aug. 29, before opening the home schedule the following week against longtime Patriot League rival Holy Cross on Sept. 5.
Colgate will face an FBS opponent in Week 2 when it travels to Central Michigan Sept. 12, followed by a return home to host Cornell on Sept. 19. The Raiders then embark on a two-game road stretch at first-time league opponent Villanova (Sept. 26) and Ivy foe Harvard (Oct. 3) before a bye week on Oct. 10.
Patriot League play resumes Oct. 17 when Colgate welcomes Georgetown to Hamilton. The Raiders will then travel to Richmond on Oct. 24 before hosting William & Mary for the first conference meeting against the Tribe on Oct. 31.
"The addition of Villanova and William & Mary elevates our conference even further and makes every league game a true challenge," Fitzpatrick said.
November features a critical three-game Patriot League stretch, beginning with a road contest at Lehigh on Nov. 7, followed by a home matchup against Lafayette on Nov. 14. The regular season concludes on the road at Bucknell on Nov. 21.
All games are scheduled for Saturdays. Kickoff times and television information will be announced at a later date.
2026 Colgate Football Schedule
| Date |
Opponent |
Location |
| Saturday, Aug. 29 |
Colgate at Fordham * |
Bronx, N.Y. |
| Saturday, Sept. 5 |
Colgate vs Holy Cross * |
Hamilton, N.Y. |
| Saturday, Sept. 12 |
Colgate at Central Michigan |
Mount Pleasant, Mich. |
| Saturday, Sept. 19 |
Colgate vs Cornell |
Hamilton, N.Y. |
| Saturday, Sept. 26 |
Colgate at Villanova * |
Villanova, Pa. |
| Saturday, Oct. 3 |
Colgate at Harvard |
Cambridge, Mass. |
| Saturday, Oct. 17 |
Colgate vs Georgetown * |
Hamilton, N.Y. |
| Saturday, Oct. 24 |
Colgate at Richmond * |
Richmond, Va. |
| Saturday, Oct. 31 |
Colgate vs William & Mary * |
Hamilton, N.Y. |
| Saturday, Nov. 7 |
Colgate at Lehigh * |
Bethlehem, Pa. |
| Saturday, Nov. 14 |
Colgate vs Lafayette * |
Hamilton, N.Y. |
| Saturday, Nov. 21 |
Colgate at Bucknell * |
Lewisburg, Pa. |
* Patriot League games
