KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State Athletics has announced its theme games for the 2026 football season at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium, featuring six home contests and a lineup of celebrations highlighting Owl traditions, championships, students, families, service members and the KSU community.
The 2026 home slate kicks off Thursday, Sept. 3 against West Georgia and features matchups against Georgia State, Jax State, Liberty, Delaware and FIU.
From celebrating the Owls' Conference USA Championship, Homecoming and Salute to Service, each home game will provide fans with a unique experience at Walens Family Field.
Thursday, Sept. 3 vs. West Georgia – 7 p.m. | FLIGHT 30
The Owls are cleared for takeoff. Kennesaw State opens its 2026 home schedule against in-state opponent West Georgia with FLIGHT 30, celebrating the incoming class of 2030 with a celebratory first-year student-run, leading our football team onto the field. The FLIGHT Runout is a KSU Tradition that happens only once for the first 2,000 students who claim their specialty tickets to the first home opener football game of the season. The new incoming FLIGHT class runs across the field wearing their signature FLIGHT jersey before the KSU Owls in this annual tradition that is sure to be a core memory at Kennesaw State University.
The night will recognize the incredible student milestones that have helped shape Kennesaw State Athletics while looking ahead to the next chapter for the Owls. Fans are invited to be part of the celebration as KSU kicks off another season under the lights at Fifth Third Stadium.
Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. Georgia State – 7 p.m. | Conference USA Championship Commemoration | Celebrate KSU Champions | Parent & Family Weekend | Extra Yard for Teachers
A championship celebration headlines one of the biggest nights of the 2026 home schedule when Kennesaw State welcomes Georgia State for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
The Owls will commemorate their Conference USA Championship in football, men's basketball and track and field, giving Owl Nation another opportunity to celebrate the historic achievements and recognize the teams that brought the title home to Kennesaw.
The game also serves as part of Parent & Family Weekend, welcoming KSU families to campus and giving students an opportunity to share the traditions, energy and excitement of Kennesaw State game day.
KSU will also celebrate Extra Yard for Teachers, recognizing educators throughout the community and the important role they play in students' lives.
Wednesday, Oct. 7 vs. Jax State – 7 p.m. | Dark Mode
Turn out the lights. It's Dark Mode. Kennesaw State welcomes Jax State for a Wednesday night Conference USA showdown, with Owl Nation encouraged to wear black and help create an intimidating environment under the lights at Fifth Third Stadium.
Black attire, a high-energy atmosphere, and a conference championship rematch will take center stage as the Owls and Jax State meet in Kennesaw. Be sure to keep an eye out for this year's commemorative Hawaiian T-Shirt to be unveiled at a later date.
Thursday, Oct. 22 vs. Liberty – 7 p.m. | Gold Rush
It's time to strike gold. Owl Nation is encouraged to wear gold when Kennesaw State hosts Liberty for Gold Rush on Thursday, Oct. 22.
Fans, students and the KSU community are challenged to pack Fifth Third Stadium in KSU Gold and create a sea of gold for the Thursday night Conference USA matchup.
Saturday, Nov. 7 vs. Delaware – 3 p.m. | Homecoming | Mental Health Awareness
There's no place like home. One of Kennesaw State's signature campus traditions returns Saturday, Nov. 7, as the Owls welcome Delaware for Homecoming.
Students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the university are invited back to campus for a celebration of Kennesaw State and Owl Nation. A week of Homecoming activities will culminate with Saturday's 3 p.m. kickoff at Fifth Third Stadium.
Special recognitions, traditions and entertainment will highlight the game day experience as generations of Owls come together in Kennesaw.
Saturday, Nov. 21 vs. FIU – 3 p.m. | Senior Tribute | Salute to Service
Kennesaw State concludes its 2026 regular-season home schedule by honoring those who have made an impact both on the field and through service to others.
As part of Senior Tribute, KSU Football will recognize its senior student-athletes and celebrate their contributions to the program and Kennesaw State University.
The afternoon will also feature Salute to Service, recognizing military members, veterans, first responders, and others who dedicate their lives to serving their communities and country.
Special recognitions and game-day elements will be featured throughout the afternoon as Owl Nation comes together for the final home game of the regular season.
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Additional information surrounding each theme game, including promotions, recognitions, giveaways and special game day activities, will be announced throughout the season.
Fans can secure their seats and learn more about Kennesaw State Football tickets by visiting KSUOwls.com/Tickets.
2026 KENNESAW STATE FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2026 Kennesaw State football season are on sale now! Tickets begin at just $125 and include home contests against in-state foes West Georgia (Sept. 3) and Georgia State (Sept. 12), as well as CUSA contests against Jax State (Oct. 7), Liberty (Oct. 22), Delaware (Nov. 7) and FIU (Nov. 21). Click HERE for more info on tickets for the 2026 regular season!
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.
For more information on Kennesaw State athletics, follow @KennesawStFB on X/Twitter or like Kennesaw State Football on Facebook and Instagram.
