BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – First year head coach Kris McCullough and the Gardner-Webb football team have announced their full schedule for the upcoming 2026 season.
The Runnin' Bulldogs, coming off a 7-5 overall record and 5-3 mark in OVC/Big South action, will have a 12-game slate that includes seven games within the conference and four home games.
Gardner-Webb will begin the season as road warriors, playing its first three games away from Boiling Springs and beginning with a trip to Clarksville, Tenn. on August 29 to take on the Governors of Austin Peay University.
The next stop on the road trip will be just over state lines as Gardner-Webb heads to nearby Spartanburg, S.C. for a matchup with longtime foe Wofford on September 5. The Terriers and Runnin' Bulldogs have met 11 times in their history with Wofford holding a 9-2 advantage in the series.
The final stop of the road trip lands the Dawgs in Lynchburg, Va. on September 12 to play the Flames of Liberty University.
Opening the home portion of its schedule, Gardner-Webb will play host to North Carolina Central on September 19 for a rubber match in a series that is tied at one win each. The Runnin' Bulldogs pulled out a 21-12 win during the last meeting in 2019.
The home stay does not last long as GWU hits the road once again for its next two contests, starting with a showdown with the Thundering Herd of Marshall on September 26 before opening conference play on October 3 at Charleston Southern. The game against Charleston Southern will be the third edition of the BBQ Bowl with the previous two contests being won by Gardner-Webb.
Eastern Illinois visits Spangler Stadium on October 10 for an OVC/Big South bout before Gardner-Webb travels to UT Martin on October 17. Following a bye week, the Runnin' Bulldogs return to action on October 31 at Southeast Missouri State.
A quick trip back to Boiling Springs, N.C. on November 7 has Gardner-Webb pitted against Lindenwood followed by a trek to Macomb, Ill. to face Western Illinois November 14. The Runnin' Bulldogs close out the regular season on November 21 after playing host to Tennessee State.
"We are excited for the task of a very challenging schedule," said McCullough. "Playing two FBS schools and three talented FCS teams in non-conference will get us ready for our OVC/Big South schedule. I can't wait to get to work this spring while we prepare for a top 25 Austin Peay team on the road in August."
For all up-do-date news, events, and schedule changes for Gardner-Webb Football, please visit www.gwusports.com or follow the Runnin' Bulldogs on social media @gwusports.
