HICKORY, N.C. - Lenoir-Rhyne football will host Virginia Union on Friday, August 28th, at 6:00 p.m., to open the 2026 season at Helen & Leonard Moretz Stadium. This replaces Lenoir-Rhyne's original Week 0 game against West Florida after the Argonauts announced a move to Division I last week.

The Panthers, led by Harlon Hill winner Curtis Allen, went 9-3 last season and advanced to their fourth straight NCAA Tournament. These teams have matched up three times with Virginia Union holding a 2-1 lead in the all-time series. This game will double as Lenoir-Rhyne's annual 828 Day celebration. 

2026 SCHEDULE
Fri., Aug. 28 vs. Virginia Union
Sat., Sept. 5 vs. West Alabama
Sat., Sept. 12 at Newberry*
Sat., Sept. 19 vs. Mars Hill*
Sat., Sept. 26 at Anderson*
Sat., Oct. 3 vs. Carson-Newman*
Sat., Oct. 10 at UVA Wise*
Sat., Oct. 17 vs. Wingate*
Sat., Oct. 31 at Emory & Henry*
Sat., Nov. 7 vs. Tusculum*
Sat., Nov. 14 at Catawba*
 
HOME GAMES IN BOLD
* Denotes South Atlantic Conference game

Lenoir-Rhyne football fans will have the chance to get a look at this year's team at this weekend's BeaRaPaLooZa event on campus. The spring game will kick off at 11:00 a.m. with gates opening at 10:30 a.m. Also that day will be home tennis, baseball, lacrosse, and the Southside Power and Fitness Track & Field meet. For more information on this free event, click HERE.

The 2026 Bears Club Spring Raffle is going on right now and tickets can be purchased HERE for $100 each.

Football Season ticket renewals are currently in progress. The preferred deadline to renew season tickets is April 11. Prospective season ticket holders will have the chance to purchase tickets on May 1. For any information on season tickets, contact Eli Stone at Eli.Stone2@lr.edu or call (336) 467-1073.