The Texas A&M football schedule for 2026 features 12 regular-season games, including seven home contests at Kyle Field and the return of the Lone Star Showdown against Texas on Friday, November 27, 2026.
Head coach Mike Elko enters his second season following an 11-1 record in 2025 that secured the program’s first College Football Playoff appearance.
The Aggies open the 2026 campaign on Saturday, September 5, 2026, against Missouri State at Kyle Field. The schedule includes nine Southeastern Conference matchups under the new conference format, four non-conference opponents, and a mid-season bye week on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Table of Contents
2026 Texas A&M Football Schedule: Complete Game List
| Date | Opponent | Location | Conference Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, September 5, 2026 | Missouri State | College Station, TX | No |
| Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Arizona State | College Station, TX | No |
| Saturday, September 19, 2026 | Kentucky | College Station, TX | Yes |
| Saturday, September 26, 2026 | at LSU | Baton Rouge, LA | Yes |
| Saturday, October 3, 2026 | Arkansas | College Station, TX | Yes |
| Saturday, October 10, 2026 | at Missouri | Columbia, MO | Yes |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | The Citadel | College Station, TX | No |
| Saturday, October 24, 2026 | at Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | Yes |
| Saturday, October 31, 2026 | Bye Week | — | — |
| Saturday, November 7, 2026 | at South Carolina | Columbia, SC | Yes |
| Saturday, November 14, 2026 | Tennessee | College Station, TX | Yes |
| Saturday, November 21, 2026 | at Oklahoma | Norman, OK | Yes |
| Friday, November 27, 2026 | Texas | College Station, TX | Yes |
The schedule release occurred on Wednesday, December 11, 2025, through official SEC channels. Kickoff times and television broadcast assignments remain pending as of February 2026, with typical SEC release patterns occurring in March or April.
Texas A&M Home Games at Kyle Field in 2026
Kyle Field hosts seven home games during the 2026 season, maintaining the venue’s capacity of 102,733 spectators—the largest stadium in the Southeastern Conference and fourth-largest in FBS football.
Home Schedule Breakdown
Non-Conference Home Games:
- Missouri State (September 5)
- Arizona State (September 12)
- The Citadel (October 17)
SEC Home Games:
- Kentucky (September 19)
- Arkansas (October 3)
- Tennessee (November 14)
- Texas (November 27)
The home slate begins with Missouri State, marking the first-ever meeting between the programs. Arizona State returns to College Station for the first time since 2015, creating a marquee non-conference matchup between Big 12 and SEC programs.
Tennessee visits Kyle Field on Saturday, November 14, 2026, marking the Volunteers’ first trip to College Station since 2016. The regular season concludes with the Lone Star Showdown against Texas on the Friday following Thanksgiving.
SEC Conference Schedule Details
The 2026 season marks the first year of the nine-game SEC conference schedule, expanding from the previous eight-game format. This expansion affects rotation patterns and introduces new annual opponent pairings across the conference.
Protected Annual Opponents
Texas A&M maintains three protected SEC opponents under the new scheduling model:
- LSU (Battle for the Boot)
- Missouri
- Texas (Lone Star Showdown)
The Aggies face LSU annually, preserving a rivalry that began with conference membership in 2012. Missouri serves as the closest geographic SEC opponent, despite the program’s original placement in the conference’s East division. The Texas matchup continues annually following the Longhorns’ SEC entry in 2024.
2026 SEC Road Games
Texas A&M travels for four SEC conference games in 2026:
| Date | Opponent | Location | Last Meeting |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 26 | LSU | Baton Rouge, LA | October 25, 2025 (W 49-25) |
| October 10 | Missouri | Columbia, MO | November 8, 2025 (W 38-17) |
| October 24 | Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | — |
| November 7 | South Carolina | Columbia, SC | November 15, 2025 (W 31-30) |
| November 21 | Oklahoma | Norman, OK | — |
The road schedule includes Death Valley in Baton Rouge on Saturday, September 26, 2026, representing the earliest SEC road test. Alabama hosts the Aggies on Saturday, October 24, 2026, during the Crimson Tide’s homecoming weekend.
Non-Conference Opponents Analysis
The non-conference slate features four opponents spanning multiple conferences and competitive levels.
Missouri State Bears (September 5)
Missouri State, a Football Championship Subdivision program from the Missouri Valley Football Conference, makes its first appearance against Texas A&M. The Bears compete at the FCS level, providing a season-opening opponent before conference play begins.
Arizona State Sun Devils (September 12)
Arizona State represents the premier non-conference matchup in 2026. The Sun Devils joined the Big 12 Conference following Pac-12 realignment, creating a Power Four non-conference game at Kyle Field. The programs last met in 2015, with Texas A&M securing a 38-17 victory in Houston.
The Citadel Bulldogs (October 17)
The Citadel, a Southern Conference member at the FCS level, visits College Station on Saturday, October 17, 2026. This matchup provides the final non-conference tuneup before a three-game stretch of consecutive SEC road contests.
Key Rivalry Games in the 2026 Schedule
Texas A&M vs Texas (November 27)
The Lone Star Showdown concludes the regular season on Friday, November 27, 2026, at Kyle Field. This marks the second consecutive year the game falls on the Friday following Thanksgiving, creating a unique scheduling position as the regular-season finale.
Historical Context:
- All-time series: Texas leads 39-32-1
- 2025 result: Texas won 27-17 in Austin
- Hiatus period: 2012-2023 (13 years)
The rivalry resumed in 2024 following Texas’s entry into the SEC. Kyle Field hosts the 2026 edition, providing home-field advantage after the 2025 road loss.
Texas A&M vs LSU (September 26)
The Battle for the Boot travels to Baton Rouge on Saturday, September 26, 2026. LSU’s Death Valley stadium presents one of college football’s most challenging road environments, particularly for night games.
Recent Results:
- 2025: Texas A&M won 49-25 in Baton Rouge
- 2024: LSU won in College Station
- Protected annual opponent status through 2029
The 2025 victory marked Texas A&M’s most dominant performance in the series since joining the SEC, with quarterback Marcel Reed throwing for 280 yards and three touchdowns.
Texas A&M vs Arkansas (October 3)
Arkansas visits Kyle Field on Saturday, October 3, 2026, for the Southwest Classic. This game historically occurred at neutral site AT&T Stadium in Arlington, but returned to a home-and-home format in recent years.
The Razorbacks and Aggies maintain an annual rivalry stemming from Southwest Conference membership (1915-1991). The 2025 meeting in Fayetteville resulted in a 45-42 Texas A&M victory.
Mike Elko’s Second Season as Head Coach
Mike Elko enters his second season as Texas A&M head coach in 2026, following an 11-1 regular season and College Football Playoff appearance in his debut campaign. The 2025 success established immediate program momentum and elevated recruiting efforts.
2025 Season Achievements
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Overall Record | 11-2 |
| SEC Record | 7-1 |
| Final AP Ranking | 8th |
| CFP Appearance | First in program history |
| Home Attendance Average | 105,904 per game |
Elko’s defensive background transformed Texas A&M into one of the SEC’s top defensive units in 2025. The Aggies allowed 21.0 points per game and recorded 43 sacks, leading the conference in multiple defensive categories.
Coaching Staff Changes for 2026
Holmon Wiggins joined the staff as offensive coordinator, arriving from Alabama, where he served as wide receivers coach. Wiggins brings expertise in developing passing game concepts and receiver talent, addressing areas for improvement from the 2025 season.
Drew Hollingshead serves as offensive analyst, providing additional support for scheme development and game planning.
Roster Outlook and Key Personnel
Returning Players
Marcel Reed returns for his junior season at quarterback after completing 234 of 377 passes for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2025. Reed added 493 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, demonstrating dual-threat capability.
KC Concepcion leads returning receivers after catching 61 passes for 919 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. The NC State transfer established himself as the primary receiving target during conference play.
Transfer Portal Additions
Texas A&M ranked fourth nationally in transfer portal additions according to On3, bringing in 17-18 players to address roster needs. The transfer class ranked first in the SEC, focusing on offensive line depth and defensive backfield reinforcements.
Notable additions:
- Multiple offensive linemen to improve pass protection (2025 stats: 19 sacks allowed)
- Secondary depth for coverage against SEC passing attacks
- Wide receiver talent to complement Concepcion
NFL Draft Departures
Projected draft departures impact roster composition, with 10-12 players expected to enter the 2026 NFL Draft based on Elko’s post-season assessments. These losses primarily affect the defensive front seven and offensive line positions.
Kyle Field Venue Information
Stadium Capacity and Features
Kyle Field maintains a permanent capacity of 102,733 seats, established following the $485 million redevelopment completed in 2015. The venue’s size ranks fourth nationally and first within SEC conference facilities.
Stadium Features:
- 12 legacy suites
- 20 East Side Suites
- 70 West Side Suites
- LED lighting system (installed for 2026 season)
- HD video boards (pending budget approval)
Planned 2026 Upgrades
LED lighting installation completed prior to the 2026 season opener, enhancing night game atmosphere and broadcast quality. High-definition video board replacements remain under consideration pending final budget approvals, with no construction disruption expected during the season.
12th Man Tradition
Kyle Field’s 12th Man tradition requires the entire student section to stand throughout games, creating one of college football’s most intimidating home environments. The tradition dates to 1922 and distinguishes Texas A&M’s gameday atmosphere from other venues.
SEC Nine-Game Schedule Model Explained
The Southeastern Conference implemented a nine-game conference schedule beginning in 2026, expanding from the previous eight-game format used since 1992. This change affects all 16 SEC members following conference expansion.
Schedule Structure
Each program plays:
- Three protected annual opponents (same opponents every year)
- Six rotating conference opponents
- Three non-conference games
The rotation system ensures teams face all conference opponents within a two-year cycle, compared to the previous six-year rotation under the eight-game model.
Impact on Non-Conference Scheduling
The nine-game SEC schedule reduces non-conference flexibility from four games to three games annually. Texas A&M maintains commitments to schedule at least one Power Four non-conference opponent, satisfied by the Arizona State matchup in 2026.
Strength of Schedule Analysis
Conference Opponents Record from 2025
| Opponent | 2025 Record | 2025 SEC Record |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 9-3 | 5-3 |
| LSU | 8-4 | 4-4 |
| Tennessee | 10-2 | 6-2 |
| Oklahoma | 7-5 | 3-5 |
| Texas | 11-1 | 7-1 |
| Missouri | 8-4 | 4-4 |
| Arkansas | 6-6 | 3-5 |
| South Carolina | 8-4 | 5-3 |
| Kentucky | 7-5 | 4-4 |
The 2026 opponents posted a combined winning percentage of .667 in 2025, including three programs that finished with 10 or more victories. Five conference opponents won eight or more games, indicating elevated difficulty throughout the schedule.
Challenging Road Stretches
October Road Gauntlet:
- October 10: in Missouri
- October 24: at Alabama
- November 7: at South Carolina
- November 21: at Oklahoma
Four of the five road conference games occur during a seven-week span from early October through late November. This stretch includes only one home game (Tennessee on November 14) before the Texas finale.
College Football Playoff Implications
Texas A&M’s 2025 College Football Playoff appearance establishes program precedent and elevates 2026 expectations. The expanded 12-team playoff format provides multiple qualification pathways for SEC programs.
Playoff Qualification Scenarios
SEC Championship Game Path:
- Win the division or finish in the top two conference standings
- Secure an automatic bid as conference champion
- First-round playoff game hosting opportunity
At-Large Bid Path:
- Finish regular season with 10+ wins
- Rank among the top 12 teams in the selection committee rankings
- Strong strength of schedule supports resume
The 2026 schedule provides opportunities for ranked victories, with multiple opponents projected to finish in preseason top-25 rankings. Quality wins against Alabama, Texas, LSU, or Tennessee significantly enhance playoff positioning.
Key Games for Playoff Resume
| Date | Opponent | Playoff Impact |
|---|---|---|
| September 26 | at LSU | Early SEC statement game |
| October 24 | at Alabama | Signature road victory opportunity |
| November 14 | Tennessee | Home game against SEC East contender |
| November 27 | Texas | Rivalry game with championship implications |
Victory in three of these four matchups likely positions Texas A&M for playoff consideration, assuming wins in remaining conference games and non-conference contests.
Ticket Information and Attendance
Season Ticket Details
TAMU Season ticket packages for 2026 provide access to all seven home games at Kyle Field. Pricing varies by seating section, with premium locations commanding higher rates.
Season Ticket Benefits:
- Guaranteed seating for the Texas rivalry game
- Priority access to SEC Championship Game tickets (if applicable)
- Access to the away game ticket lottery
- Parking pass options
Single-Game Ticket Availability
Individual game tickets become available following season ticket holder priority periods, typically occurring in spring 2026. High-demand games against Texas, Tennessee, and Arizona State often sell out during early purchasing windows.
Premium Seating Options
Kyle Field offers multiple premium seating categories:
- Club seats with climate-controlled areas
- Suite packages (12, 20, or 70-person options)
- Field-level seating sections
- Zone seating with premium amenities
The Texas rivalry game on Friday, November 27, 2026, commands premium pricing, with secondary market rates averaging $449 per ticket based on comparable 2025 data.
Television Broadcast Schedule
Expected Broadcast Partners
SEC media rights agreements assign games across multiple ESPN family networks:
- ESPN
- ESPN2
- ESPNU
- SEC Network
- ABC (select prime games)
The Texas A&M vs Texas rivalry game likely receives ABC primetime coverage on Friday, November 27, 2026, given national interest and scheduling prominence. The Arizona State non-conference matchup and Tennessee home game represent additional candidates for premier broadcast windows.
Kickoff Time Patterns
SEC kickoff times typically follow conference-wide patterns:
- 11:00 AM CT (noon ET) for regional broadcasts
- 2:30 PM CT (3:30 PM ET) for national CBS/ABC windows
- 6:00 PM CT (7:00 PM ET) for primetime ESPN
- 6:30 PM CT (7:30 PM ET) for SEC Network evening games
Kyle Field night games create an enhanced atmosphere through lighting systems and student section engagement. The Alabama road game and the LSU road game are historically scheduled for evening kickoffs when Texas A&M visits.
Historical Context and Program Trajectory
Program Performance Under Elko
Mike Elko’s first season established immediate credibility:
- 11-1 regular season record
- First College Football Playoff appearance
- Victories over Notre Dame (ranked), Auburn, and LSU
- Only loss to Texas in regular-season finale
The 2025 campaign marked Texas A&M’s best regular season since 1994, when the Aggies finished 10-0-1 during the final Southwest Conference season.
Recruiting Impact
The 2026 recruiting class ranked top-10 nationally following the 2025 season’s success. Notable signees include five-star cornerback Brandon Arrington and four-star running back KJ Edwards, both securing commitments during the playoff run.
In-state recruiting improved significantly, with multiple top-50 Texas prospects choosing Texas A&M over regional competitors. The recruiting momentum directly correlates with on-field success and playoff exposure.
Facility Investments
Texas A&M continues facility investments supporting program competitiveness:
- Kyle Field LED lighting system ($8 million installation)
- Video board upgrades (pending approval)
- Player development center expansions
- Training facility enhancements
These investments maintain competitive positioning within the SEC infrastructure arms race, matching or exceeding facilities at Alabama, Georgia, and LSU.
Bowl Game and Postseason Projections
Regular Season Win Total Projections
The 2026 schedule difficulty suggests realistic win total ranges:
- Best case scenario: 11-1 (loss to Alabama or Texas)
- Expected scenario: 9-3 or 10-2
- Challenging scenario: 8-4
Nine conference games increase loss probability compared to the previous eight-game formats. Road games at LSU, Alabama, and Oklahoma present significant challenges, while home contests against Kentucky and Arkansas provide favorable matchups.
Bowl Tie-In Possibilities
SEC bowl affiliations for teams outside the College Football Playoff:
- Citrus Bowl: Top non-playoff SEC team vs Big Ten
- ReliaQuest Bowl: SEC vs Big Ten/ACC
- Texas Bowl: SEC vs Big 12 (Houston location)
- Gator Bowl: SEC vs ACC
- Music City Bowl: SEC vs Big Ten/ACC
An 8-4 or 9-3 record likely positions Texas A&M for Citrus Bowl or ReliaQuest Bowl selection, both occurring on January 1, 2027. These tier-one bowl games provide favorable opponent matchups and significant payout distributions ($8-10 million per team).
Texas A&M Football Schedule Frequently Asked Questions
When does Texas A&M play Texas in 2026?
Texas A&M plays Texas on Friday, November 27, 2026, at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas. This game serves as the regular-season finale for both programs.
How many home games does Texas A&M have in 2026?
Texas A&M has seven home games at Kyle Field during the 2026 season, including four SEC conference games and three non-conference matchups.
What channel will broadcast Texas A&M games in 2026?
ESPN family networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ABC) hold broadcast rights for SEC football. Specific game assignments will be released in March or April 2026.
Is the Texas vs Texas A&M game at Kyle Field in 2026?
Yes, the 2026 Texas vs Texas A&M game occurs at Kyle Field in College Station. The 2025 game took place in Austin, creating an alternating home-and-away pattern.
Who are Texas A&M’s toughest opponents in 2026?
Texas, Alabama, LSU, and Tennessee represent the most challenging opponents based on 2025 performance and historical strength. All four programs finished 2025 with eight or more victories.
When does the 2026 Texas A&M football schedule release officially?
The complete 2026 schedule will be released on Wednesday, December 11, 2025. Kickoff times and television assignments typically release in March or April 2026.
Does Texas A&M have a bye week in 2026?
Yes, Texas A&M has a bye week on Saturday, October 31, 2026, positioned midway through the season between the Alabama road game and the South Carolina road game.
How many SEC games does Texas A&M play in 2026?
Texas A&M plays nine SEC conference games in 2026 under the new conference scheduling model, an increase from eight games in previous years.
The Texas A&M football schedule for 2026 positions the program for continued success following the historic 2025 campaign. The combination of challenging SEC opponents, strategic non-conference matchups, and home-field advantages at Kyle Field creates opportunities for playoff qualification and conference championship contention.
Mike Elko’s second season provides a critical benchmark for sustained excellence as the program navigates expanded conference competition and elevated national expectations.
