The 2026 college football season is right around the corner.
Mississippi has six Division I teams that will be competing for a championship in the FBS and FCS. Each of those teams enter the season with differing expectations.
Ole Miss and Jackson State project to be among the best squads in the SEC and SWAC, respectively, while teams like Mississippi State and Alcorn State are hoping to build on last season’s bright spots.
Here’s when the season starts for every team in Mississippi.
Ole Miss is coming off a 13-2 season that saw the Rebels make it to the College Football Playoff semifinals in the Fiesta Bowl. With Pete Golding in his first full season as coach and Trinidad Chambliss returning at quarterback, Ole Miss was picked third in the preseason SEC media poll. The first game is against Louisville. The Rebels take on the Cardinals in the Music City Kickoff in Nashville on Sept. 6 (6:30 p.m. CT, ABC) at Nissan Stadium.
Mississippi State
Mississippi State looks to improve on last year’s 5-8 record that included a loss in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl to Wake Forest. However, MSU was predicted to finish 15th in the SEC. The Bulldogs are led by sophomore quarterback Kamario Taylor and open their season on Sept. 5 (6:30 p.m. CT, ESPNU) against Louisiana-Monroe at home.
Southern Miss
After winning just one game in 2024, Southern Miss rebounded to finish 7-6 and made the New Orleans Bowl. Coach Charles Huff is now at Memphis, and replacing him is Blake Anderson, who was promoted from offensive coordinator. The Golden Eagles were picked fifth in the Sun Belt West Division preseason poll and open vs Alcorn State on Sept. 5 (4 p.m. CT, ESPN+) at home.
Jackson State has the highest expectations of Mississippi’s three FCS teams. The Tigers finished 9-3, winning the SWAC East Division and losing in the conference championship game. They’re predicted to finish second in the SWAC East. JSU’s first game of the season is against Tennessee State in the John A. Merritt Classic at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville on Aug. 29 (7:30 p.m. CT, ESPN+).
Alcorn State
The latter part of Alcorn State’s 2025 season included a four-game win streak to help the Braves to a 5-7 record. Last season’s display has the Braves predicted to place third in the SWAC West. They’ll open the season in Hattiesburg against Southern Miss at M.M. Roberts Stadium on Sept. 5 (4 p.m. CT, ESPN+).
Mississippi Valley State
Second-year Mississippi Valley State coach Terrell Buckley hopes to see his team improve from last season’s 2-10 record. The Delta Devils are predicted to finish last in the SWAC East. MVSU’s first game is at Nicholls State in Thibodaux, Louisiana, on Aug. 27 (6 p.m. CT).
Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at treid@usatodayco.com and follow her on X @tiareid65.