PULASKI, Tenn. – Fresh off one of the most significant victories in program history and a return to postseason play, the University of Tennessee Southern men's soccer team has announced its 2026 schedule as head coach Bret Boylan enters his fourth season leading the Firehawks.
UT Southern looks to carry the momentum of an 8-6-3 campaign that culminated in an appearance in the Southern States Athletic Conference Quarterfinals. The Firehawks delivered one of the biggest upsets in the NAIA last season, defeating No. 1 Dalton State on its home field. The victory snapped the Roadrunners' 39-match unbeaten streak while also ending a remarkable 50-match home unbeaten run that dated back to November 9, 2019.
Boylan enters the 2026 season with a 27-18-7 record during his tenure and has helped elevate the Firehawks into a consistent contender within one of the nation's most competitive conferences.
The 2026 schedule features a demanding slate that includes five opponents ranked in the NAIA Top 25 at the conclusion of last season. UT Southern will face No. 10 Bethel University, No. 11 Life University, No. 14 Cumberland University, No. 18 Lindsey Wilson College, and No. 19 William Carey University.
The Firehawks will begin preparations with a pair of exhibition matches, first traveling to Alabama-Huntsville on August 12 before visiting Montevallo on August 19.
UT Southern opens the regular season on August 22 when Tennessee Wesleyan visits Pulaski. The Firehawks will remain at Grissom Pitch for contests against Bryan College and Brescia University before heading to McKenzie to take on rival Bethel University on September 5.
Conference play opens on September 10 with a road match at Point University before UT Southern travels to Andrew College on September 12. The matchup against Andrew marks one of two new conference opponents the Firehawks will face this season, joined by Xavier University (La.) as newcomers to the SSAC schedule.
The Firehawks return home for a pair of challenging non-conference matches against Cumberland University and Lindsey Wilson College before opening their home conference slate against Blue Mountain Christian on September 26.
A pivotal October stretch begins with road trips to Thomas University and Brewton-Parker University before UT Southern returns home for four consecutive conference contests. The Firehawks will host nationally-ranked William Carey University along with Mobile, Faulkner, and Xavier (La.) during the homestand.
UT Southern closes the regular season with a challenging road swing against Dalton State on October 23 and nationally-ranked Life University on October 25. The two-match trip will serve as a key postseason measuring stick as the Firehawks look to make another run in the SSAC Tournament.
With nine home matches, five nationally-ranked opponents, and the addition of two new conference foes, the 2026 campaign presents another opportunity for the Firehawks to continue building on the success achieved under Boylan's leadership.
2026 Schedule Highlights
- Nine regular-season home matches at Grissom Pitch
- Five opponents ranked in the final NAIA Top 25 poll of 2025
- Rivalry matchup at Bethel University on September 5
- Home contests against nationally-ranked William Carey, Cumberland, and Lindsey Wilson
- First-ever SSAC meetings with Andrew College and Xavier University (La.)
- Road rematch with Dalton State after snapping the Roadrunners' 39-match unbeaten streak and 50-match home unbeaten streak last season
- Regular-season finale at No. 11 Life University
The Firehawks will open their pursuit of another SSAC Tournament berth when the season kicks off on August 22 against Tennessee Wesleyan in Pulaski.
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