Mississippi College Football Kickoff: The Exact Date You Need to Know
Mississippi College Football 2026: Your Complete Guide to All Six Teams’ Season Openers
Welcome to the 2026 Season!
Hey there, football fans! The 2026 college football season is almost here, and Mississippi has six Division I teams ready to hit the field. Whether you cheer for the big SEC schools or the proud FCS programs, there’s plenty of excitement coming your way.
Let’s break down when each team plays their first game, what to expect, and why this season matters — all in simple terms!
Quick Look: All Season Openers at a Glance
| Team | Division | Conference | First Game | Date & Time (CT) | TV/Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson State | FCS | SWAC | vs. Tennessee State | Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Mississippi Valley State | FCS | SWAC | at Nicholls State | Aug. 27, 6:00 p.m. | TBD |
| Mississippi State | FBS | SEC | vs. Louisiana-Monroe | Sept. 5, 6:30 p.m. | ESPNU |
| Southern Miss | FBS | Sun Belt | vs. Alcorn State | Sept. 5, 4:00 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Alcorn State | FCS | SWAC | at Southern Miss | Sept. 5, 4:00 p.m. | ESPN+ |
| Ole Miss | FBS | SEC | vs. Louisville | Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m. | ABC |
Important Point: Two games feature Mississippi teams playing each other! Southern Miss vs. Alcorn State on Sept. 5 is an in-state showdown.
Team-by-Team Breakdown
1. Ole Miss Rebels (FBS, SEC)
The Big Expectations Team
- Last Season: 13–2 record — made it to the College Football Playoff semifinals (Fiesta Bowl)!
- New Coach: Pete Golding — first full season as head coach
- Star Returner: Trinidad Chambliss at quarterback
- Preseason Ranking: #3 in the SEC (media poll)
- First Game: vs. Louisville in the Music City Kickoff
Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC
Why it matters: Ole Miss is a legitimate national title contender. Chambliss + Golding = high hopes!
2. Mississippi State Bulldogs (FBS, SEC)
The "Prove Everyone Wrong" Team
- Last Season: 5–8 — lost in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl to Wake Forest
- Preseason Prediction: 15th in the SEC (out of 16 teams)
- QB to Watch: Kamario Taylor (sophomore)
- First Game: vs. Louisiana-Monroe at home
Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville
Sept. 5, 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPNU
Important Point: Being picked last isn’t always bad — it means zero pressure and a chance to surprise people!
3. Southern Miss Golden Eagles (FBS, Sun Belt)
The Turnaround Story
- 2024: Only 1 win
- 2025: 7–6 + New Orleans Bowl appearance!
- Coaching Change: Charles Huff left for Memphis → Blake Anderson promoted from offensive coordinator
- Preseason Pick: 5th in Sun Belt West Division
- First Game: vs. Alcorn State at home
M.M. Roberts Stadium, Hattiesburg
Sept. 5, 4:00 p.m. CT on ESPN+
Fun Fact: This is Game 1 of 2 between Mississippi FCS and FBS teams this weekend!
4. Jackson State Tigers (FCS, SWAC)
The FCS Standard-Bearer
- Last Season: 9–3 — won SWAC East Division
- Heartbreak: Lost in the SWAC Championship Game
- Preseason Pick: 2nd in SWAC East
- First Game: vs. Tennessee State in the John A. Merritt Classic
FirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN
Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m. CT on ESPN+
Why it matters: JSU has the highest expectations of any Mississippi FCS team. Coach T.C. Taylor has them rolling.
5. Alcorn State Braves (FCS, SWAC)
The Momentum Builders
- Last Season: 5–7 — but won 4 straight to finish strong
- Preseason Pick: 3rd in SWAC West
- First Game: at Southern Miss (see above)
Hattiesburg, MS
Sept. 5, 4:00 p.m. CT on ESPN+
Important Point: That 4-game win streak? It earned them respect heading into 2026.
6. Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils (FCS, SWAC)
The Climbing-Out-of-a-Hole Team
- Last Season: 2–10
- Coach: Terrell Buckley (Year 2 — former NFL star!)
- Preseason Pick: Last in SWAC East
- First Game: at Nicholls State (Louisiana)
Thibodaux, LA
Aug. 27, 6:00 p.m. CT
ELI5 Note: Being picked last doesn’t mean you stay last. Year 2 for Coach Buckley = time to show growth.
The First Two Weeks: Mississippi Football Calendar
Week 0 (Late August)
- Aug. 27 — Mississippi Valley State at Nicholls State (6 p.m. CT)
- Aug. 29 — Jackson State vs. Tennessee State in Nashville (7:30 p.m. CT, ESPN+)
Week 1 (Early September)
- Sept. 5 — Doubleheader!
- Mississippi State vs. Louisiana-Monroe (6:30 p.m. CT, ESPNU)
- Southern Miss vs. Alcorn State (4 p.m. CT, ESPN+) ← In-state battle!
- Sept. 6 — Ole Miss vs. Louisville in Nashville (6:30 p.m. CT, ABC)
ELI5: What Do FBS and FCS Mean?
FBS = Football Bowl Subdivision
→ The "big leagues" of college football (SEC, Big Ten, etc.)
→ 85 scholarships, bowl games, College Football Playoff
→ Mississippi teams: Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Southern MissFCS = Football Championship Subdivision
→ One level down, but still elite college football
→ 63 scholarships, 24-team playoff to crown a true national champ
→ Mississippi teams: Jackson State, Alcorn State, Mississippi Valley StateThink of it like: FBS = Major League Baseball, FCS = Triple-A — both pro, one just bigger spotlight.
Summary: What You Need to Know
- 6 Mississippi teams kick off between Aug. 27 – Sept. 6
- Ole Miss = National title hopes, prime-time ABC game
- Jackson State = FCS powerhouse, early start Aug. 29
- Southern Miss vs. Alcorn State = Only in-state FBS vs. FCS clash
- Mississippi State = Underdogs with a chip on their shoulder
- Mississippi Valley State = Year 2 of the Terrell Buckley era
- All games streamable on ESPN+, ESPNU, or ABC
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. Which Mississippi team has the best shot at a championship?
Ole Miss in the FBS (College Football Playoff) and Jackson State in the FCS (24-team playoff). Both were top preseason picks in their divisions.
2. Why do some teams play in August and others in September?
FCS teams (like JSU and MVSU) often start earlier — their season is longer due to the playoff format. FBS teams usually kick off Labor Day weekend.
3. Can I watch all these games without cable?
Yes! Every game listed is on ESPN+, ESPNU, or ABC — all available via streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling, or the ESPN app.
4. What’s the deal with the Southern Miss vs. Alcorn State game?
It’s rare! An FBS vs. FCS in-state matchup. Southern Miss (FBS) is favored, but Alcorn State (FCS) just won 4 straight. Upset alert?
5. Who is Terrell Buckley and why does he matter at MVSU?
Former NFL All-Pro cornerback (won Super Bowl with Patriots). Now in Year 2 as head coach at his alma mater. He’s building something — give it time.
Final Thought
Whether you’re tailgating in Oxford, Starkville, Hattiesburg, or Jackson — or watching from your couch — Mississippi football is BACK. Six teams. Six stories. One state united by the game.
Pick your team. Mark your calendar. And get ready for kickoff!
Article based on Clarion Ledger reporting by Tia Reid. Follow her for updates: @tiareid65