Roughest nonconference schedules in 2026

[ZedLepplin22]

Any word on Rice's Week 2 opponent? I know they open @ LWE but have heard nothing about the other Non-Conf opponent.

 

[Doctor_D]

every teams non-con should look like this now. No reason not to

There is a reason not to.
It’s impossible for EVERY team to schedule top notch non conference because you will run out of top notch opponents

 

[McCaravan]

I have no idea what MC's schedule is. Kinda know the conference but not the Non-Con. Heard they are looking for a big out of state game, heard ESL, but nothing posted yet

 

[Cross Bones]

every teams non-con should look like this now. No reason not to

I agree with you here. 2-7 getting in doesnt mean down programs should be willing to play up programs. It means up programs should be willing to play more up programs.

 

[SiuCubFan8]

I agree with you here. 2-7 getting in doesnt mean down programs should be willing to play up programs. It means up programs should be willing to play more up programs.

Ok but there are only so many "up" programs.

 

[USD24]

every teams non-con should look like this now. No reason not to

So now you want Rita to play everyone week one and two? That's a big ask

 

[USD24]

I have no idea what MC's schedule is. Kinda know the conference but not the Non-Con. Heard they are looking for a big out of state game, heard ESL, but nothing posted yet

I thought the ESL game was a done deal?

 

[4Afan]

Is ESL doing the "Classic" this year and what week will it be since the season is starting earlier?

And which team will cancel last minute?

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

And which team will cancel last minute?

Yeah, Loyola, be ready on a whim this time, sheesh.

 

[McCaravan]

I thought the ESL game was a done deal?

That was the talk but it seemed to lost steam unless they just haven't announced it yet

 

[Caravan92]

I have no idea what MC's schedule is. Kinda know the conference but not the Non-Con. Heard they are looking for a big out of state game, heard ESL, but nothing posted yet

The only hole I have is week 2. It will be AWAY. I’ve been told it’s on ESPN. A month ago I would have confidently said it was Bergan Catholic… not sure why happened there. Only other hiccup I have is the Brother Rice & St. Pats games on 9/18 & 9/25. Likey both away since I have 1 neutral, 2 away & 4 home from my “research”.

 

[jotapepe]

Yeah, Loyola, be ready on a whim this time, sheesh.

Loyola's schedule (except for Week 1) is out and they are going to Indianapolis Cathedral that week.

 

[Roamin' Catholic]

Loyola's schedule (except for Week 1) is out and they are going to Indianapolis Cathedral that week.

Just a poor joke after many called for Loyola to step up and fill a void when ESL's showcase thing had some last minute cancellations again. I know Loyola isn't actually dodging competitive games sir.

 

[crusader_of_90]

That was the talk but it seemed to lost steam unless they just haven't announced it yet

Edgy said they were waiting on ISU, but I wish it was Home/Away.

 

[jotapepe]

Just a poor joke after many called for Loyola to step up and fill a void when ESL's showcase thing had some last minute cancellations again. I know Loyola isn't actually dodging competitive games sir.

I knew that. Just happened to find that game and it was relevant. I don't blame them; the history of ESL's event is unfortunately spotty and if I was Loyola, I would take the opportunity to get a reliable game. The opponent being a strong Catholic school helps too.