Boston College football enthusiasts, mark your calendars. The 2026 schedule for the Eagles is out, and honestly, it looks like a wild ride. There’s a real mix of competition, strategy, and—let’s be honest—plenty of emotional moments ahead. Coach Bill O’Brien is back at the helm, and with him, fans can expect a blend of tough matchups and some home games that really tap into the team’s history.
From the opener at Cincinnati to the closer at Miami, here’s what’s on tap for Boston College football in 2026.
Boston College 2026 Football Schedule Breakdown
The Eagles open things up on September 5 with an away game at Cincinnati. It’s a tone-setter, no doubt, and kicks off a season loaded with both home and away challenges—including some classic rivalries and a few daunting opponents.
Early Season Matchups
Home games start on September 11 with a Friday night showdown against Rutgers. This isn’t just any game, either. It’s the Red Bandanna game, marking the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Boston College will honor Welles Crowther, a former lacrosse player who gave his life saving others that day.
- September 5: at Cincinnati
- September 11: Rutgers (Red Bandanna game)
- September 19: Maine
- September 26: Virginia Tech
Mid-Season Challenges
Things don’t get any easier as the season rolls on. The Eagles run into a string of tough opponents before hitting their bye week on October 10. That break comes after five straight games—definitely a chance to catch their breath.
- October 3: at SMU
- October 17: Pitt
- October 24: at Georgia Tech
- October 31: at Duke
End-of-Season Battles
The last stretch is a gauntlet. Florida State comes to town on November 7, and then it’s off to Notre Dame on November 14 for a tough road test. After that, the Eagles wrap up with Syracuse and a finale at Miami. That Miami game? Could be a big one for the standings, depending on how things shake out.
- November 7: Florida State
- November 14: at Notre Dame
- November 21: Syracuse
- November 28: at Miami
Key Highlights and Observations
There are a few things that really stand out on this schedule.
Red Bandanna Game
That Rutgers game on September 11 is more than just football. Honoring Welles Crowther’s heroism during 9/11, this game hits deep for the Boston College community. Expect the stadium to feel a little different that night—more electric, more meaningful.
Strategic Bye Week
This year, the bye week lands right in the middle—October 10. Not too late, not too early. That should help the team regroup and gear up for the tough back half of the season.
Back-to-Back Road Games
Only one stretch of back-to-back road games this year: Georgia Tech and Duke, October 24 and 31. That’s not too bad, honestly. Less consecutive travel means fresher legs, which can make all the difference down the stretch.
Tough Season Finale
The closing weeks are brutal. Back-to-back away games at Notre Dame and Miami? That’s a tall order. If the Eagles are in the hunt, those games are going to be must-watch. Maybe even season-defining.
Boston College’s 2025 Season Recap
Before we get too far ahead, a quick look back at 2025. Coach Bill O’Brien was in charge, but, well, it was a rough year. The Eagles finished 2-10. A lot of players hit the transfer portal, but they did bring in 27 new faces, so there’s some hope for a turnaround.
Offensive and Defensive Struggles
2025 exposed a bunch of issues, especially on both sides of the ball. Consistency was a big problem. The team had a habit of starting strong and then fading late in games. For example, in a basketball game against Notre Dame, Boston College was up by 13 at halftime, but ended up losing 68-64 after a rough second half. Ouch.
Looking Ahead
With new additions and a schedule that’s a bit more balanced, there’s a real chance for improvement in 2026. The blend of home and away games, plus that mid-season bye, gives them a shot at building something. If you want to keep up with the latest, follow AJ Black on Twitter or check out the site’s Twitter handle for updates and some honest analysis.
Stay Connected
If you can’t get enough of Boston College football, there are plenty of ways to stay in the loop. Become a VIP for elite coverage and those little insider scoops that don’t make the headlines.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the daily Eagles podcast, “Locked on Boston College,” over on YouTube. It’s a great way to catch new video content and maybe even stumble on a nugget or two you didn’t expect.
If you want to dig a bit deeper, check out IMS Radio. It’s up on iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Music—so, really, pick your favorite and listen in.
The 2026 season’s shaping up to be pretty interesting. The Eagles have a mix of home and away games, some well-timed breaks, and a couple of matchups that just feel bigger than the rest.
Curious about the full schedule? The official announcement has all the details. Get ready—it’s almost time to cheer them on again!
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