If you spent any time at Johnson Hagood Stadium last fall, you know the feeling. The humidity hangs heavy over the Ashley River, the smell of boiled peanuts is everywhere, and the tension during a Southern Conference (SoCon) dogfight is enough to make anyone’s heart race. But let's be real: looking back at the the citadel football schedule for the 2025 season, it was a rollercoaster that left a lot of the Corps of Cadets wanting more.
The Bulldogs finished the 2025 campaign with a 4-8 overall record. On paper, it looks rough. But sports are never just about the final number. It was a season defined by massive highs—like that dominant 40-13 thumping of Samford—and some truly gut-wrenching losses that came down to the final possession.
Now, with the 2026 schedule officially released, the conversation has shifted. We’re moving from the "what ifs" of last November to the "what’s next" of a 12-game slate that includes a trip to College Station.
Breaking Down the 2025 Results
Honestly, the 2025 schedule was a gauntlet from the jump. Opening against the reigning FCS National Champion North Dakota State is basically like starting a video game on the hardest difficulty setting. The 38-0 loss was a wake-up call, but the team responded.
The win over Samford in week two was probably the highlight of the year. They went into Birmingham and just took over. It felt like the triple option (or the variation they're running now under Maurice Drayton) was finally clicking.
Then came the "Military Classic of the South" against VMI on November 1st. If you don't care about this game, you don't have a pulse. The Bulldogs took back the Silver Shako with a 35-24 win. It’s the kind of game that saves a season in the eyes of the alumni, even if the overall record isn't where people want it to be.
But then, the wheels kinda wiggled loose. The season ended with three straight losses. The most painful? Probably the 16-14 Homecoming loss to Wofford and the season finale at ETSU, where a late surge fell just short in a 28-26 heartbreaker.
The Road Ahead: The Citadel Football Schedule for 2026
The 2026 schedule is out, and it is a fascinating mix of local rivalries and "payday" games that will test the depth of this roster. Because the calendar falls the way it does, the FCS gets a 12-game regular season in 2026. That extra game means more wear and tear, but also more opportunities for a young squad to find its rhythm.
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The season starts early. On August 29th, the Bulldogs head to Spartanburg to face Wofford. Opening with a conference game is always a gamble. You're either 1-0 in the SoCon before Labor Day, or you're already playing catch-up.
Non-Conference Challenges
The out-of-conference slate is no joke. After the opener, the team travels to Charlotte on September 5th to face an FBS opponent in the 49ers.
The home opener doesn't happen until September 12th. It’s the "Lowcountry Boil Bowl" against Charleston Southern. It’s a short trip for the Bucs, and the atmosphere in Charleston for that one is usually electric.
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Then things get really interesting in October. On October 17th, the Bulldogs travel to face Texas A&M. For those who don't know, The Citadel and Texas A&M are two of the six Senior Military Colleges in the U.S. There is a massive amount of respect between these two fanbases, even if the scoreline usually favors the SEC powerhouse. It’s a massive stage for the cadets.
The Full 2026 Slate
Here is how the weeks actually stack up for 2026:
- August 29: at Wofford (SoCon Opener)
- September 5: at Charlotte
- September 12: vs. Charleston Southern (Home Opener)
- September 19: BYE WEEK
- September 26: vs. Chattanooga (Hall of Fame Weekend)
- October 3: at South Carolina State
- October 10: vs. ETSU (Parents' Weekend)
- October 17: at Texas A&M
- October 24: vs. Tennessee Tech (Leaders in Philanthropy)
- October 31: at Mercer
- November 7: vs. Furman (Homecoming)
- November 14: at VMI (Military Classic of the South)
- November 21: at Western Carolina
Why the Tennessee Tech Game Matters
You might have noticed a new name on the schedule: Tennessee Tech. They are a newcomer to the league's scheduling rotation, and hosting them on October 24th is a bit of a wildcard. Most people think of the SoCon as a very "North Carolina/South Carolina/Georgia" centric league. Adding a team from Cookeville, Tennessee, changes the scouting report.
It’s also the "Leaders in Philanthropy" weekend. For a school like The Citadel, these designated weekends are huge. They bring in the heavy hitters, the donors, and the history. Losing on a big weekend like that or Parents' Weekend (Oct 10 vs. ETSU) hurts twice as bad.
The Rivalry That Matters Most
If you ask any cadet what date is circled, it’s November 14th. The Military Classic of the South. Heading up to Lexington, Virginia, to face VMI is always a battle of attrition.
The Citadel has dominated the recent history of this rivalry, but VMI at home is a different beast. In 2025, the Bulldogs won at home. In 2026, they’ll have to do it in a hostile environment where the Keydets will be looking for revenge.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning to follow the citadel football schedule in person this coming year, here are a few things you actually need to do:
- Book Charleston Southern early. That September 12th game will sell out Johnson Hagood faster than you think. It's the first home game and a local rivalry.
- Monitor the Texas A&M tickets. If you want to go to College Station, check the secondary markets early. It’s a massive stadium, but the "Senior Military College" connection makes this a popular road trip for alumni.
- Prepare for the 12-game grind. This is a long season. Injuries usually start to pile up around the late October Mercer game. Depth at the fullback and linebacker positions will be the deciding factor in whether the Bulldogs can improve on that 4-8 record.
- Download the SoCon app. Kickoff times for the 2026 road games (like the opener at Wofford) aren't always set until a few weeks prior due to broadcast windows on ESPN+.
The Bulldogs are in a rebuilding phase, but the talent is there. With a schedule that features 12 games and two FBS opponents, the margin for error is razor-thin. It’s going to be a long, hot, and physical season in Charleston.