A New Chapter Begins: What To Know About Patriot League Football In 2026

The Patriot League 2026 football kick off is just a couple weeks away. Here's everything fans need to know before.

Jul 26, 2026 by Margaret Nassuna

Villanova Football Highlights From The Wildcat's 2025 Season In The CAA8:06

The Patriot League enters the 2026 football season with new horizons and storylines awaiting.

The conference features a mix of longtime rivals, recent expansion members and programs looking to contend for the league title and a spot in the FCS playoffs.

With new additions and familiar contenders to the league, there is plenty to keep an eye out for as teams prepare for another competitive season.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or following the conference for the first time, here are five things to know about the Patriot League as the 2026 season is just around the corner.

What Are The Member Schools Of The Patriot League?

The Patriot League enters the 2026 season with 10 football member schools after completing its "Power 10" expansion. The conference now features a blend of longtime members and new additions, bringing together programs from across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to compete for the league championship and an automatic bid to the FCS Playoffs.

Bucknell University
Colgate University
Fordham University
Georgetown University
College of the Holy Cross
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
University of Richmond*
Villanova University*
William & Mary*

* Joined the Patriot League for football during the league's recent expansion (Richmond in 2025; Villanova and William & Mary in 2026).

When Is The Patriot League Season Kickoff?

The Patriot League officially kicks off the 2026 football season on Thursday, Aug. 27, with Georgetown hosting Lafayette in the conference's Week 0 opener.

When Is The Patriot League Media Day?

The 2026 Patriot League Football Media Day is set for Wednesday, July 29, from 7-9 p.m. ET, giving fans a first look at the upcoming season.

What Division Is The Patriot League In?

The Patriot League competes at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level.

Who Won The 2025 Patriot League Championship Game?

The Lehigh Mountain Hawks won the 2025 Patriot League football championship, defeating Lafayette, 42-32, on Nov. 22, 2025, at Fisher Stadium in Easton, Pennsylvania.

Who Won The Each Football National Championship For The 2025-2026 Season?

Division I FBS – Indiana def. Miami, 27-21
Division I FCS – Montana State def. Illinois State 35-34 (OT)
Division II – Ferris State def. Harding, 42-21
Division III – University of Wisconsin-River Falls def. North Central (Ill.), 24-14

Archived Footage On FloCollege

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Watch The 2026 College Football Season On FloCollege

FloCollege is the home of the best FCS, Division II and Division III football action all season long.

Don't miss the latest college football action by bookmarking the FloCollege schedule page for the latest games.

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