Man, college football in the Bluegrass State is basically a religion, but if you’re looking at the Murray State Racers football schedule, things have changed a lot lately. We’re not talking about the old Ohio Valley Conference days anymore.
Honestly, the jump to the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) was like moving from a local pickup game to the professional ranks overnight. It’s tough. It’s grueling. It’s arguably the hardest path in the FCS.
If you’ve been following Jody Wright’s squad, you know 2025 was a massive learning curve. One win. Eleven losses. That record doesn't tell the whole story, though.
Why the Murray State Racers Football Schedule is a Gauntlet
The 2025 season was a literal "Who's Who" of top-tier football. Most people don’t realize how insane the travel is now. One week you’re in the humidity of Atlanta, the next you’re in a dome in South Dakota.
Basically, the Racers had to navigate a schedule that featured five ranked opponents in a row at one point. Here is how that 2025 gauntlet actually shook out for the guys in blue and gold:
The season kicked off on August 30 with a trip to Johnson City to face East Tennessee State. It wasn't pretty. A 17-45 loss set a somber tone. Then came the home opener on September 6 against Southeastern Louisiana. Family Weekend usually brings a big crowd to Roy Stewart Stadium, but the Lions spoiled the party with another 45-24 result.
Then the FBS checks started coming in. Georgia State on September 13 (21-37 loss) and Jacksonville State on September 20 (10-45 loss).
By the time conference play hit in October, the team was bruised. They went to Vermillion to play South Dakota on October 4 and got handled 49-24. Then they came home to face Illinois State on October 11, losing 32-46 in a game that was actually way closer than the final score looked.
October 18 was the big one. South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits are essentially the Alabama of the FCS. Murray State fought, but you can't stop that machine. 14-35.
The losing streak stretched through Youngstown State (October 25), Southern Illinois (November 1), Northern Iowa (November 8), and North Dakota (November 15).
But then, November 22 happened.
Indiana State. Memorial Stadium in Terre Haute. The Racers finally put it all together. A 31-17 win to close the season. It felt like winning the Super Bowl for a fan base that had been through the ringer for three months straight.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
You've probably heard the news that the Murray State Racers football schedule for 2026 is already getting some tweaks. The biggest headline? The return of an old friend.
On December 11, 2025, the athletic department confirmed that Eastern Illinois is back on the books. We’re talking about a 37-game history here. EIU leads the series 20-17, so the Racers have some ground to make up.
Mark your calendars for August 27, 2026. That’s when the Panthers come to Murray. It’s a Thursday night game, which always hits differently at Roy Stewart Stadium.
The rest of the 2026 MVFC slate is still being finalized in terms of exact times, but we know the opponents. Expect home games against heavy hitters like North Dakota State and road trips that will test the depth of Jody Wright’s recruiting classes.
The Roy Stewart Stadium Experience
If you haven't been to a game in Murray lately, you’re missing out on some specific quirks. The stadium holds about 16,800 people. It’s got that classic concrete feel, but the atmosphere is surprisingly loud when the students actually show up.
Tickets are actually a steal. For most games, you’re looking at around $15 for an adult general admission seat. Kids 17 and under? Free. That’s almost unheard of for high-level college football.
- Tailgating: The parking lots open early. You’ll smell the BBQ long before you see the stadium lights.
- Alcohol Sales: They started selling beer and seltzers in the stadium recently. It stops at the end of the third quarter, so don't wait too long.
- The Horse: Racer One running the track after a touchdown is still one of the best traditions in the country. Period.
What Most Fans Miss About the Schedule
People look at a 1-11 record and assume the program is in shambles. That’s a mistake. The MVFC has produced nine of the last 11 national champions.
When Murray State plays North Dakota State or South Dakota State, they aren't just playing "another college team." They are playing teams that would beat half of the FBS mid-majors.
Jody Wright, the head coach, came from South Carolina and worked under Nick Saban at Alabama. He knows what "elite" looks like. He’s basically rebuilding the foundation while the house is on fire during a hurricane.
The 2025 schedule wasn't designed for a winning record; it was designed for growth. The fact that they finished with a win against Indiana State suggests the culture is starting to take hold.
Actionable Next Steps for Racers Fans
If you're planning to follow the team this coming year, don't just show up on game day.
First, get the "GoRacers" app. It’s the only way to keep up with the constant time changes that happen with the ESPN+ broadcast windows.
Second, look into the 2026 season ticket request forms. They usually drop these early in the spring. If you want those lower reserved seats with the actual backs on them (your spine will thank you), you have to jump on the waitlist early.
Finally, keep an eye on the transfer portal. With the 2026 schedule featuring Eastern Illinois and the usual MVFC murderers' row, the Racers are going to need more than just grit. They need depth.
The schedule is out there. The path is hard. But for those of us in Murray, Saturday afternoons at Stewart Stadium are still the only place to be.
📖 Related: Is the Man United game today actually worth your time?
Check the official athletic site or Ticketmaster for those August 2026 tickets as soon as they go live this summer. If you wait until the week of the EIU game, those cheap general admission spots might actually fill up.