WILKES-BARRE – The Wilkes University athletic department unveiled the 2026 schedule for Wilkes Football on Wednesday afternoon, kicking off a series of schedule releases for all fall sports teams.
 
The Colonels made their third postseason appearance last season and begin their fourth season in the Landmark Conference this fall with a ten-game slate featuring four non-conference games and six Landmark matchups. Head Coach David Biever leads the team in his third season as head coach.
 
Wilkes finished 7-4 in 2025 including its third appearance and second win in the Chesapeake Challenge Bowl Series with a 37-35 victory at Shenandoah University.
 
To view the full schedule, click here.
 
The Colonels kick off the campaign as they travel to cross-town rival King's College in primetime on Thursday, September 3 with the 30th annual Mayor's Cup game, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. The Colonels boast a 26-13 all-time record against the Monarchs and a 18-11 lead in the Mayor's Cup since its creation in 1996. Wilkes was the victor last season, with a 19-16 win at Schmidt Stadium.
 
Their first home game of the season comes on Saturday, September 12, as the Colonels host The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) in non-conference matchup at 1:00 p.m. at Schmidt Stadium. Wilkes will look to earn a win after falling 17-3 a season ago in New Jersey.
 
Wilkes then travels to 2025 NCAA Championship participant Muhlenberg College on Saturday, September 19 at 12:00 p.m., and wraps up their non-conference slate at home against Montclair State on Friday night September 26 at 7:00 p.m. Wilkes earned a thrilling 24-21 victory over the Red Hawks last year.
 
Landmark Conference play begins on Saturday, October 3 as the Colonels travel west to Juniata College for a 12:00 p.m. kickoff. The blue and gold then host Lycoming College on Homecoming weekend October 10 and reigning Landmark champion Susquehanna University on Oct. 25, sandwiching their bye week. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. against the Warriors and 12:00 p.m. against the River Hawks.
 
The Colonels take to the road on Saturday, October 31 for a Halloween matchup at Catholic University at 12:00 p.m. before returning home for the final time on Saturday, November 7 at 12:00 p.m. to host Moravian University on Senior Day. The regular season finale comes on Saturday, November 14 for Wilkes with its farthest road trip of the year at Western Connecticut State at 12:00 p.m.
 
Wilkes will continue to release its 2026 fall schedules with field hockey on Thursday.