Tennessee Tech releases 2026 home football schedule; new era begins at Tucker Stadium

Photo / Thomas Cornern Tennessee Tech Athletics

COOKEVILLE, TN -  With Tennessee Tech football embarking on its inaugural season in the Southern Conference following consecutive championships, and the first season of a revitalized Tucker Stadium, the Golden Eagles are gearing up to welcome fans back to Cookeville for what the program calls a “new era” of football.

Officials say supporters can begin planning travel by adding game kickoff times to their calendars, with the first two home contests set for 6:00 p.m. starts.

TTU will open its home slate on August 29 when the Golden Eagles host Monmouth, before welcoming Samford on September 12 for a combined Legends Weekend and Family Weekend event.

Coming into the new season, Monmouth finished last year 9-3, posting a 6-2 record in the Colonial Athletic Conference. The Hawks narrowly missed a berth in the FCS Playoffs after closing the season with a 31-24 loss to Albany.

Samford, meanwhile, struggled in 2025, going 1-11 overall and 1-7 in the SoCon.

The remainder of Tennessee Tech’s home schedule features 1:30 p.m. kickoff times for four games, including matchups with Furman (October 10) and Eastern Kentucky (October 17). TTU’s Homecoming game is scheduled for November 7 against VMI, followed by the regular-season home finale on November 17 against Mercer.

TTU opponents across the slate bring a mix of conference experiences, with VMI and Mercer familiar faces from earlier eras of Golden Eagle football. Furman concluded 2025 with a 6-6 record and a 4-4 mark in the SoCon, while VMI finished 1-11, including an 0-8 SoCon record. Mercer claimed its second straight SoCon title last season, going 8-0 in conference and 9-3 overall to earn an FCS Playoff bid.

Program officials also noted the schedule is subject to change. Updated information will be posted at TTUsports.com and through the team’s social media channels.

Season ticket sales are already underway, including seating options in the newly constructed west side of Tucker Stadium.