Posted: May 29, 2026

Wildcats Open 2026 Football Schedule against West Tennessee Neighbor

MCKENZIE, Tenn. –The 2026 college football season will be here before you know it. We The Bethel University Wildcats open their season in 92 days.

The ten-game slate includes five home games with the season opener at home against close neighbor Lane College on August 29th. Kick-off in Walter Butler Stadium will be at 6 p.m. The Cats and the Dragons will meet next year in nearby Jackson.

An attractive home schedule includes, along with Lane, games against powerhouse Keiser University, old foe Faulkner University, Cumberlands (Ky.), and Campbellsville University.

Three MSC road games find the Wildcats traveling to Georgetown College, Lindsey Wilson University, and long-time opponent Cumberland University. It will be the 30th meeting in a series which sees the Phoenix holding a 16-13 advantage. Two non-conference road games await the Cats as they travel to Webber International on September 19 and Pikeville on September 26.

Homecoming will be celebrated on October 17 when the Cats host the University of the Cumberlands. Senior Day will be on October 31st as the Cats play Campbellsville University.

It will be the first time the Cats and Dragons have played in football. Bethel has met Webber International three times and has a 2-1 advantage in the series. The Pikeville series is tied at 8-8. It will be the 14th meeting between Faulkner and Bethel with the Wildcats leading 9-4 in the series between the two. Cumberland's has a 17-8 advantage in previous games. Georgetown leads the series between the two programs 14-5. Campbellsville University has a 12-10 advantage in previous games.

Lindsey Wilson and Bethel have met 12 times with the Blue Raiders holding a 7-5 advantage in previous matchups.

Cumberland University and Bethel will be playing for the 30^th time with CU leading the series 16-13.

Coach Chris Springer commented, "We're excited about the 2026 season and the opportunities this schedule brings. Our focus is on getting better one day at a time on and off the field. If we stay consistent in our preparation and development, we'll put ourselves in a great position this fall.

2026 Schedule

8/29-Lane College -Walter Butler Stadium- 6 p.m.

9/5- Bye Week

9/12- Keiser University- Walter Butler Stadium –3 p.m.

9/19- Webber University- Babson Park, FL- 12:30 p.m.

9/26- University of Pikeville -Pikeville, KY-2 p.m.

10/3- Bye Week

10/10- Faulker University- Walter Butler Stadium- 1:30 p.m.

10/17 – Cumberlands (KY)-Walter Butler Stadium-1:30 p.m. (Homecoming)

10/24- Georgetown College- Georgetown, KY- 12:30 p.m.

10/31- Campbellsville University- Walter Butler Stadium- 1:30 p.m. (Senior Day)

11/7- Lindsey Wilson University Columbia, KY- 1:30 p.m.