Southern Utah University has released the kickoff times for its 2026 football season, marking the program's return to the Big Sky Conference. The Thunderbirds will begin their campaign on the road against Montana on August 29 before returning to Eccles Coliseum for a home opener against Weber State on September 5.
Return to Big Sky Conference
The announcement of the kickoff schedule comes as the university prepares for a significant conference transition. According to the Big Sky Conference, Southern Utah University and Utah Tech University officially joined the league as full members on July 1, 2026. This move brings Southern Utah back to the conference it previously called home from 2012 to 2022.
Conference Expansion Details
The Big Sky Conference, described by the conference office as the nation's preeminent FCS conference, expanded to 11 full members with the addition of Southern Utah and Utah Tech. The current roster of full members includes Eastern Washington, Idaho, Idaho State, Montana, Montana State, Northern Arizona, Northern Colorado, Portland State, and Weber State. The conference also maintains football affiliate members Cal Poly and UC Davis, and men's golf affiliate Francis Marion.
Coach's Outlook on Season
Southern Utah football head coach DeLane Fitzgerald noted that the release of the kickoff times makes the upcoming season feel real for the program. Fitzgerald said that players have put in a tremendous amount of work during the offseason and are ready to compete every Saturday. He expressed excitement about returning to play in front of T-Bird Nation at Eccles Coliseum for six home games.
Key Schedule Matchups
The 2026 schedule features several renewed conference rivalries. Following the home opener against Weber State, the Thunderbirds will host Idaho State for Homecoming on September 26. The schedule also includes a matchup against Utah Tech the following week, and a return of longtime conference foe Northern Arizona on October 31. The regular season is set to conclude on November 21 with a home game against Chicago State, marking the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
Institutional Growth and Impact
University President Mindy Benson stated that the move to the Big Sky Conference sets a strong foundation for the future of SUU Athletics by expanding visibility and creating opportunities for growth. She noted the excitement regarding renewing in-state rivalries with Weber State and Utah Tech and strengthening connections with all Big Sky universities. Beginning in the 2026-27 season, 14 Thunderbird teams will compete for Big Sky championships across various sports, including football, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, men's and women's indoor track & field, men's and women's outdoor track & field, women's soccer, softball, and women's indoor volleyball.
Regional Context
The transition to the Big Sky Conference follows Southern Utah's tenure in the Western Athletic Conference. Both Southern Utah and Utah Tech are located near each other, separated by 52 miles between Cedar City and St. George. Commissioner Tom Wistrcill noted that the addition of these rising athletic departments reinforces the long-term stability and success of the Big Sky due to their geographic footprint in the western United States.
Home Game Information
The 2026 home schedule for Southern Utah includes games against Weber State, Idaho State, UC Davis, Northern Arizona, Northern Colorado, and Chicago State. Three of these six home games are scheduled for evening kickoffs, providing fans with multiple Saturday night football opportunities in Cedar City.
