An NC State opener before September even starts. A neutral-site game against West Virginia in Charlotte. And the Commonwealth Cup closing out the regular season in Blacksburg. The 2026 Virginia Football Schedule carries real rivalry weight on both ends of the calendar.
Virginia Cavaliers football opens early, faces a neutral-site rivalry, and ends with the biggest game on its schedule. Here is the complete 2026 Virginia Football Schedule with dates, locations, times and television information.
2026 Virginia Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | NC State WolfpackScott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA | 3:30 PM ETESPN | ||
| Saturday | OFF | |||
| Friday | Norfolk State SpartansScott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA | 7:00 PM ETACCNX | ||
| Saturday | vs West Virginia MountaineersBank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC | 7:30 PM ETACCN | ||
| Saturday | Delaware Blue HensScott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA | Time TBA ETESPN network | ||
| Saturday | at Florida State SeminolesDoak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, FL | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Homecoming | ||||
| Saturday | Syracuse OrangeScott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at SMU MustangsGerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, TX | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Friday | Duke Blue DevilsScott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA | 7:00 PM ETESPN | ||
| Saturday | at Wake Forest Demon DeaconsAllegacy Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | OFF | |||
| Saturday | California Golden BearsScott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | North Carolina Tar HeelsScott Stadium, Charlottesville, VA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Commonwealth Cup | ||||
| Saturday | at Virginia Tech HokiesLane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | vs ACC ChampionshipBank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC | 12:00 PM ETABC | ||
An Early Opener, Then a Neutral-Site Rivalry
Virginia opens the 2026 Virginia Cavaliers football schedule against NC State on a Saturday in late August, before a bye week on September 5 gives the Cavaliers an early breather. Norfolk State visits for a Friday night home game, then Virginia heads to Charlotte for a neutral-site clash with West Virginia — a rivalry renewed away from either campus.
That early stretch sets a competitive tone right away.
A Manageable Middle, Then Florida State Looms
Delaware gives Scott Stadium a home date before the Virginia ACC schedule 2026 turns difficult. A trip to Florida State opens October, followed by Syracuse visiting for Homecoming and a road trip to SMU — two tough tests inside a three-week stretch.
Duke Under the Lights, Then a Road Trip to Wake Forest
Duke visits Charlottesville for a Friday night game on October 23, one of the better home atmospheres of the season, before Virginia closes out the month on the road at Wake Forest. A bye week on November 7 sets up the final stretch.
California, North Carolina, and the Commonwealth Cup
California and North Carolina both visit Scott Stadium in consecutive weeks before Virginia vs Virginia Tech 2026 closes the regular season at Lane Stadium on November 28 — the Commonwealth Cup, a rivalry that never needs extra stakes attached. If Virginia is still playing December 5, the Cavaliers will be in Charlotte for the ACC Championship Game.
Virginia Football Home Games 2026
Virginia has seven home games at Scott Stadium in 2026: NC State, Norfolk State, Delaware, Syracuse, Duke, California and North Carolina. The late-season home dates against California and North Carolina offer strong opportunities to build momentum heading into the Commonwealth Cup.
The 2026 Virginia Football Schedule carries rivalry weight from the first week through the final Saturday. How the Cavaliers handle the early NC State game, the neutral-site trip against West Virginia, and the closing stretch that ends in Blacksburg will shape the entire season.
FAQ
When does Virginia football play its first game in 2026?
Virginia opens the 2026 Virginia Football Schedule at home against NC State on Saturday, August 29, at Scott Stadium.
When is Virginia vs Virginia Tech 2026?
Virginia vs Virginia Tech 2026, the Commonwealth Cup, is set for Saturday, November 28, on the road at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg.
How many home games does Virginia play in 2026?
Virginia has seven Virginia football home games in 2026 at Scott Stadium: NC State, Norfolk State, Delaware, Syracuse, Duke, California and North Carolina.
What is Virginia’s toughest stretch on the 2026 schedule?
The run from Florida State (road) through Syracuse (home) and SMU (road) — October 3 through October 17 — ranks as the toughest stretch on the Virginia ACC schedule 2026, ahead of the Commonwealth Cup finale in November.
