CARROLLTON, Ga. - For the first time ever, two in-state football programs will clash in 2026 as the University of West Georgia announced today a road game at Kennesaw State in week one of the 2026 football season. 

The Wolves will travel to Fifth Third Stadium on September 5, 2026 to open the season against the Owls.  

Both UWG and KSU will be in their third seasons following elevation moves prior to the 2024 season. The Wolves will be in their third season of Division I, FCS football while the Owls will be opening up their third season as FBS members in Conference USA. 

It's the third game announced in the 2026 season for head coach Joel Taylor and the Wolves. Following the week one trip to Kennesaw, UWG will go to Jonesboro, Arkansas to face off with Sun Belt foe Arkansas State before making the return trip to ETSU who is on the Wolves' 2025 schedule as the home opener. 

KSU went 2-10 in their first season of FBS football, and will usher in the Jerry Mack era in 2025 as they named Mack the program's second head coach on December 1, 2024. 

Current 2026 UWG Football Schedule 
September 5 – at Kennesaw State 
September 12 – at Arkansas State 
September 19 – at East Tennessee State