The energy around North Campus is different lately. If you’ve spent any time near UB Stadium, you know the vibe. People are actually talking about the Mid-American Conference (MAC) race in July, and it isn't just wishful thinking anymore. But here’s the thing: when people go searching for the ub bulls football schedule, they usually just want a list of dates. They want to know when to grab a garbage plate and head to the tailgate.
What they often miss is how the schedule is actually built to test this specific roster.
Buffalo football isn't just about the Saturday afternoon games anymore. It’s a weird, beautiful mix of high-stakes non-conference road trips and those chilly Wednesday nights in November that we all collectively call MACtion. If you aren't paying attention to the way the bye weeks fall or how the home-stand stretches work, you’re missing the real story of the season.
The Reality of the 2025 ub bulls football schedule
Last season was a rollercoaster. Pete Lembo came in and basically rewrote the script for what a "debut season" looks like in Buffalo. Heading into the 2025 stretch, the schedule makers didn't do him many favors early on. The Bulls opened the season on August 28th with a massive trip to Minneapolis to face Minnesota.
Honestly, starting on a Thursday night in Big Ten territory is a brutal way to kick things off. They kept it respectable but ultimately dropped that one 10-23. It set a tone, though. This team doesn't back down.
Breaking Down the Home Opener and Non-Conference Play
The home opener at UB Stadium against Saint Francis on September 6th was exactly what the doctor ordered. A 45-6 blowout that let the fans actually see the new offensive rhythm. But look at how the rest of September shook out:
- Sept 13: A gritty 31-28 win at Kent State.
- Sept 20: A tough 17-21 loss to Troy at home.
- Sept 27: A heartbreaking 17-20 loss to UConn.
You see that? Three games decided by one possession. That is the "Buffalo Special." If you’re looking at the ub bulls football schedule thinking it’s going to be a walk in the park because it's the MAC, you’re kidding yourself. These games are dogfights.
Why MACtion Changes Everything in November
If you’re a real fan, you know that the calendar shifts in November. We stop playing on Saturdays. We start playing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It’s great for TV, but it’s a logistical nightmare for players.
The 2025 season saw the Bulls hit a wall during this stretch. They traveled to Central Michigan on November 12th (a Wednesday) and got handled 19-38. Then they had to turn around and host Miami (OH) just seven days later. Losing 20-37 to the RedHawks at home hurt, especially with the "MACtion Meat Raffle" promotion going on in the stands.
The UMass Factor
One of the weirdest additions to the schedule recently has been the inclusion of UMass as a full MAC member. The Bulls headed to Amherst on October 18th and walked away with a 28-21 win. It’s a short trip, relatively speaking, but it adds a new regional rivalry that actually feels like it matters.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 ub bulls football schedule
We’re already seeing the 2026 dates start to solidify. If you think the Minnesota opener was tough, wait until you see the 2026 slate. The Bulls have a date at Penn State on September 19th, 2026. That is going to be a massive paycheck for the athletic department, but a massive mountain to climb for the players.
Here is what we know about the early 2026 non-conference schedule so far:
- Sept 3, 2026: vs. UAlbany (Home)
- Sept 12, 2026: at FIU (Away)
- Sept 19, 2026: at Penn State (Away)
- Sept 26, 2026: vs. Robert Morris (Home)
It’s a balanced start. You get a couple of games where you should be favored, mixed with a "Group of Five" road test in Florida and a "Power Four" gauntlet in Happy Valley.
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How to Actually Watch the Bulls
Let’s talk access. Because let’s be real, unless it’s a big game, you’re probably hunting for a stream. Most of the early-season home games, like the ones against Saint Francis or Eastern Michigan, live on ESPN+.
Once November hits, you need to check your cable package for ESPNU, ESPN2, or CBS Sports Network. The game against Central Michigan was on CBSSN, while the Miami (OH) game was on ESPN2. It’s a bit of a scavenger hunt, but that’s the price of being a fan of a mid-major powerhouse in the making.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Schedule
The biggest misconception is that "home field advantage" is a constant. At UB, the crowd fluctuates wildly based on the weather and the students' exam schedules. A 3:30 PM kickoff in September against UConn is a totally different atmosphere than a 7:00 PM kickoff in a sleet storm against Ohio.
Pete Lembo has been vocal about wanting to build a "Blue Collar" culture. That means the team has to play well regardless of whether there are 20,000 people in the stands or just 5,000 die-hards braving the Buffalo winter.
Actionable Steps for Bulls Fans
If you're planning to follow the team through the rest of this cycle and into the next, don't just wait for the local news to tell you the kickoff time.
- Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official UB Athletics site and use the "Add to Calendar" feature. MAC schedules change. Kickoff times for the late-season games are often only finalized 12 days in advance.
- Check the Weather, Seriously: If you're going to a game in late October or November, the wind coming off Lake Erie into UB Stadium is no joke. Dress in layers.
- Watch the Transfer Portal: The roster you see on the schedule in August might look different by the time the bowl games roll around. In the current era of college football, the "off-season" is just as busy as the regular season.
- Get Your Tickets Early for 2026: That Penn State game is going to result in a lot of fans traveling. If you want to be part of the blue-and-white takeover in State College, start looking at travel logistics now.
The ub bulls football schedule is more than just a list of opponents; it's a roadmap of the program's growth. From the high-profile losses against Big Ten teams to the gritty wins in the MAC, every Saturday (and Wednesday) counts toward building something sustainable in Western New York.