DENTON, Texas — The roadmap is set for year one under head coach Neal Brown.
The American Conference and North Texas officially released the 2026 football schedule this week, outlining a balanced but demanding stretch for the Mean Green — one that includes a marquee road test against the reigning national champions.
North Texas will open the season at home inside DATCU Stadium, where six games are slated for Denton. UNLV, Houston Christian (HCU), Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, Rice and UAB will all make their way to North Texas as the Mean Green look to establish early momentum on their home turf.
The home schedule offers intrigue and familiarity. Conference showdowns against Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, Rice and UAB carry divisional weight, while nonconference matchups against UNLV and HCU present opportunities to build confidence before league play intensifies.
The road portion of the schedule, however, will define the season.
North Texas will travel to face defending national champion Indiana in what projects to be one of the most high-profile matchups in program history. The Mean Green will also hit the road for contests at Texas State, Tulsa, Navy, UTSA and Tulane — a mix of rivalry energy, conference stakes and tough environments.
Trips to Navy and Tulane bring contrasting challenges in scheme and atmosphere, while UTSA and Texas State add regional flavor with recruiting implications across the state.
For Brown, the 2026 campaign represents a tone-setting opportunity. Balancing a favorable home schedule with a demanding slate away from Denton will be critical if the Mean Green hope to make noise in The American.
Kickoff times and broadcast designations will be announced at a later date.
