Football | 4/20/2026 4:59:00 PM

ERIE, Pa. – Gannon University head football coach Erik Raeburn today announced the 2026 football schedule. Raeburn will begin his sixth year at the helm this fall.

The 2026 campaign gets underway on Saturday, August 29 as the Golden Knights travel to Davenport for a noon kickoff. This will be the second straight year that Gannon will face the GLIAC foe to open the season. This will be the first of two straight road games to start the year. 

"We are excited for the 2026 season," said Raeburn. "The PSAC is always an incredibly difficult test but we are excited for the challenge. We're looking forward to showcasing the work we've been putting in throughout the spring and believe it will translate to success on the field this fall."

The Golden Knights will get a week off after the opener and then prepare to face Shepherd on the road for the first time since 2021. The Rams went 7-4 a year ago and were 6-1 in the PSAC.

McConnell Family Stadium will play host to the home opener on Saturday, September 19th, when GU faces Bloomsburg. Kickoff for the first home game of the year is set for 12:00 pm.

This will be the first of two straight games at home for the Golden Knights and first of five overall. Gannon will take on Lock Haven on Saturday, September 19th. Gannon holds a 6-4 lead in the all-time series, although the Bald Eagles won last years matchup, 49-28.

Gannon's lone currently scheduled night game will occur on October 3rd, when GU travels south to face Slippery Rock at 6:00 pm. Gannon took down SRU, ranked 14th at the time, last season, 38-35 at McConnell Family Stadium. The next week will continue PSAC West play at Clarion at 2:00 pm. GU fell, 48-46 last season to the Golden Eagles in an offensive shootout. Gannon holds a 9-8 lead in the all-time series.

GU will return home on Saturday, October 17th for a matchup with Seton Hill. Gannon has been historically dominant in the series, owning a 10-2 advantage despite the Griffins winning a season ago. 

Gannon renews its rivalry with Edinboro on Saturday, October 24 on the road. The Fighting Scots defeated Gannon, 41-20 a year ago. That leaves Edinboro with a 11-8 lead in the all-time series.

October ends with a home game against Indiana (Pa.) on Saturday, October 31st. The Crimson Hawks were 7-5 a year ago and advanced to the NCAA regional bracket. 

The Golden Knights will play two games in November; first, a trip to California (PA) for their last road game of the regular season. The Vulcans were 9-4 last season but .500 (3-3) in conference play. 

The final game of the regular season will be played at McConnell Family Stadium, as Gannon welcomes in West Chester for a noon kick.