Saluki Football adds 12th game with road trip to West Florida

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Saluki Football will open the 2026 season on Thursday, August 27 at West Florida, slated for a 6 p.m. Central kick. The late addition completes SIU’s 12-game schedule.

West Florida will return the game to SIU on Sept. 4, 2027.

The newest member of the FCS, West Florida announced on April 6 that it is moving up from Division II to join the United Athletic Conference next fall. The UAC was established in 2023 as a single-sport football conference through a partnership between the ASUN and the Western Athletic Conference.

The Argonauts have only played 10 seasons of college football, but they have dominated the Division II ranks, making six playoff appearances and winning a national championship in 2019.

Located in the state’s panhandle in Pensacola, West Florida is coming off a 10-2 season and DII playoff appearance. The Argonauts outscored opponents by more than 10 points per game in 2025.

“West Florida instantly becomes one of the top programs in the FCS,” said college football analyst Brian Gauvin. “They've consistently had FBS-level talent on the roster, and this past transfer cycle was no different.”

The Argonauts are coached by Kaleb Nobles, who is 25-9 during his three seasons, including two playoff appearances. He was named the conference Co-Coach of the Year in 2025.

In February, UWF broke ground on a $50 million upgrade to its home facility, Darrell Gooden Stadium. The phased-in project will be completed by 2027 and will include a new 85-foot wide video board for the upcoming season.

The Salukis will play seven road games and five home contests in 2026. Four of the team’s first five games will be on the road.

2026 Saluki Football Schedule

Aug. 27: at West Florida

Sept. 3: at Samford

Sept. 12: SEMO (Family Weekend)

Sept. 19: at Illinois

Sept. 26: at Murray State

Oct. 3: Youngstown State

Oct. 10: at South Dakota

Oct. 17: Illinois State (Homecoming)

Oct. 24: Northern Iowa

Nov. 7: at Indiana State

Nov. 14: South Dakota State

Nov. 21: at North Dakota

2027 Saluki Football Non-Conference Schedule

Sept. 4: West Florida

Sept. 11: at Wisconsin

Sept 18: at SEMO