BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — UAB Blazers football announced its 2026 football schedule Thursday, outlining a 12-game slate that includes eight teams that reached bowl games last season.

First-year head coach Alex Mortensen will lead the Blazers through a balanced schedule featuring a mix of non-conference and American Athletic Conference matchups. Three bowl teams from a year ago are set to visit Protective Stadium during conference play.

UAB opens the season on Sept. 5 with a road matchup against Big Ten opponent Illinois Fighting Illini football. The Blazers return to Birmingham for their home opener Sept. 12 against ULM Warhawks football.

The non-conference schedule also includes a regional road game at Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns football on Sept. 19 and a home contest against Samford Bulldogs football on Oct. 3.

Conference play in American Athletic Conference action begins Sept. 25 when UAB hosts Navy Midshipmen football in a Friday night game. The Blazers’ home conference schedule also features matchups against East Carolina Pirates football on Oct. 15, Charlotte 49ers football on Nov. 7 and UTSA Roadrunners football on Nov. 21.

UAB’s conference road games include trips to Memphis Tigers football on Oct. 10, South Florida Bulls football on Oct. 31, Temple Owls football on Nov. 14 and North Texas Mean Green football on Nov. 28. North Texas finished as the American Athletic Conference runner-up last season.

“This is a strong schedule from top to bottom,” Mortensen said in a statement. “Our non-conference games will challenge us early, and the American continues to be one of the most competitive leagues in the country. We’re excited about the opportunity to compete every week and continue building our program.”

UAB’s schedule includes one open date on Oct. 24. Game times beyond designated weekday matchups are expected to be announced at a later date.

Season tickets for the 2026 UAB Football season are on sale now here.

2026 UAB Football Schedule

Sept. 5 – at Illinois

Sept. 12 – vs. ULM

Sept. 19 – at Louisiana

Sept. 25 – vs. Navy* (Friday)

Oct. 3 – vs. Samford

Oct. 10 – at Memphis*

Oct. 15 – vs. East Carolina* (Thursday)

Oct. 24 – Open

Oct. 31 – at South Florida*

Nov. 7 – vs. Charlotte*

Nov. 14 – at Temple*

Nov. 21 – vs. UTSA*

Nov. 28 – at North Texas*