By: Ryan Henry
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KENNESAW, Ga. – Entering year three of the
Chris Cahill era, Kennesaw State soccer unveiled its 2026 schedule on Tuesday.
"Our schedule does not have any shortcuts and will challenge us from the very beginning, with four teams that competed in last year's NCAA Tournament along with several others that played for conference championships," Cahill said. "These matches will provide an immediate test of our character, resilience, and spirit while revealing who we are and who we can become throughout the season. I am excited about the foundation we established this spring and the addition of a talented incoming class that will strengthen our culture and competitiveness."
After two home exhibition matches against Lipscomb and Southern Indiana, the Owls open the 2026 season on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at Memphis. The contest is the second leg of a home-and-home with the Tigers as KSU hosted them in its 2025 season opener.
The Black and Gold return to The Saw for their home opener against Stetson on Aug. 16 followed by a contest against The Citadel (Aug. 21).
A trip to Alabama State on Aug. 23 sets the stage for a home matchup with Auburn four days later on Aug. 27. Cahill served on the Tigers' staff from 2009-11, making back-to-back appearances to the NCAA tournament. These team will be meeting for a second straight season.
Three contests away from home follow before KSU faces West Georgia in a Peach State bout on Sept. 13. The Owls wrap up their non-conference slate on Sept. 17 at North Florida.
Conference USA play begins on the road at Sam Houston (Sept. 26). The Owls then play New Mexico State (Oct. 1) and Delaware (Oct. 4) for the first time at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium.
The final five games alternate between home and away matches. The Black and Gold will host defending CUSA tournament champions, Liberty, on Oct. 17, and the regular season will conclude on Nov. 1 at FIU.
The Conference USA tournament will be held at the Stuart & Suzane Grant Stadium on Delaware's campus from Nov. 8-13.
The Champions Fund
The Champions Fund is a newly created, 100% tax deductible, philanthropic opportunity to contribute strategic revenue to Kennesaw State Athletics, with the goal of strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top-tier talent in this new era of collegiate athletics. Contributions to the Champions Fund will help aid in funding student-athlete recruitment and retention, as well as helping the Owls provide competitive excellence through investments in coaching, travel and facilities. The fund will also give an elevated student-athlete experience, including enhanced academic, nutrition, wellness and leadership programs. Donate to the Champions Fund here and help us support our Kennesaw State Owls.
