HICKORY, N.C. - Head coach Doug Socha and the Lenoir-Rhyne football team have released their 2026 schedule. In two seasons as Lenoir-Rhyne's head coach Socha has amassed a record of 16-8 and led the team to the second round of the NCAA DII Playoffs in 2024. 

The Bears will play six games between the bricks this season, opening the year with two home games against West Florida (Aug. 28) and West Alabama (Sept. 5). The season opener against West Florida will double as Lenoir-Rhyne's 828 Day.

"Hosting two top-25 teams early gives us exactly what we want - great competition that prepares us for SAC play," said Coach Socha.

Conference play opens up on Saturday, September 12, when the Bears travel to Newberry to take on the reigning SAC champs. The 2026 Lenoir-Rhyne Athletics Hall of Fame induction will take place on Saturday, September 19, when the Bears host Mars Hill. Homecoming will be on Saturday, October 17, against Wingate, and senior day on Saturday, November 7, vs. Tusculum. 

Full Schedule - HOME | AWAY
Friday, August 28 - West Florida - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 5 - West Alabama - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 12 - at Newberry
Saturday, September 19 - Mars Hill - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 26 - at Anderson
Saturday, October 3 - Carson-Newman - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 10 - at UVA Wise
Saturday, October 17 - Wingate - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 24 - BYE WEEK
Saturday, October 31 - at Emory & Henry
Saturday, November 7 - Tusculum - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 14 - at Catawba

Season ticket renewals are currently in progress. Current season-ticket holders have until April 11 to reserve their seats. Prospective season ticket holders will have the chance to purchase tickets following that April 11 date. For any information on season tickets, contact Eli Stone at Eli.Stone2@lr.edu or call (336) 467-1073.