GREENVILLE, S.C. — Furman will kick off its 2026 football season on Thursday, August 27, versus Anderson, the school announced today.
 
Kickoff for the Ingles Markets sponsored game at Paladin Stadium is set for 7:00 p.m.
 
The game, which features a matchup of former Commerce (Ga.) High School and Paladin teammates Clay Hendrix '86 and Bobby Lamb '86, will be Furman's first gridiron meeting with Anderson, which started its football program in 2024 under Lamb, who served as the Paladins' head coach from 2002-10 and later the head mentor at Mercer (2013-19).
 
"It's always exciting to talk about the opening game for football season, especially the Thursday openers, which for us have been terrific environments," said Hendrix.  "Having Furman Hall of Famer Bobby Lamb bring his team and fans from Anderson should be a fun and exciting way to kick off our season."
 
Furman last played a Thursday home opener in 2023, when it defeated Tennessee Tech, 45-10, at Paladin Stadium.  In 2022 the Paladins kicked off the campaign on a Thursday, defeating North Greenville, 52-0.
 
The Paladins' 2026 early season schedule includes challenges at both Tennessee (Sept. 5) and defending SoCon champion Mercer (Sept. 12), a home date against 2025 Celebration Bowl champion South Carolina State (Sept. 19), and a road contest versus Richmond (Sept. 26).
 
Furman projects to return 30 lettermen, including 10 players considered starters at the end of the 2025 season.
 
The Paladins boasts one of the top returnees in FCS football in 2025 consensus All-American defensive end Joshua Stoneking, who led the nation in sacks (14.5) and tackles for loss (23) a year ago. 
 
2026 Furman Football Schedule
Aug. 27 Anderson, 7:00 p.m.
Sept. 5 @ Tennessee
Sept. 12 @ Mercer
Sept. 19 South Carolina State
Sept. 26 @ Richmond
Oct. 3 Wofford (Family Weekend)
Oct. 10 @ Tennessee Tech
Oct. 17 Bye
Oct. 24 Samford (Bicentennial/Homecoming)
Oct. 31 Western Carolina
Nov. 7 @ The Citadel
Nov. 14 Chattanooga
Nov. 21 @ VMI