STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Prairie View A&M football opens the 2026 season Saturday night when the Panthers travel to Tarleton State for an historic first meeting between the two programs. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. CT at Tarleton Memorial Stadium.
Saturday's contest will mark the first-ever football matchup between Prairie View A&M and Tarleton State while also introducing the Chancellor's Cup, a new rivalry trophy contested between the two institutions within the Texas A&M University System.
The Panthers enter the 2026 campaign looking to build on the momentum of a successful 2025 season. Prairie View A&M captured the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championship last season and returns to the field with expectations of competing for another conference title.
Under head coach Tremaine Jackson, Prairie View A&M will look to establish its identity early against a Tarleton State squad competing in the United Athletic Conference.
A NEW RIVALRY BEGINS
Saturday's matchup will create a new chapter in the history of both programs. With no previous meetings between the Panthers and Texans, the all-time series will begin at 0-0.
The inaugural Chancellor's Cup adds another layer of significance to the season opener, with the winner becoming the first program to claim the trophy.
For Prairie View A&M, the matchup also provides an opportunity to showcase the Panthers on the road against a talented FCS opponent as the team begins its pursuit of another championship season.
SEASON OPENER
The Panthers will enter the contest with a combination of returning veterans and new faces looking to make an immediate impact. Prairie View A&M's offense will look to establish its tempo, while the defense aims to set the tone against the Texans.
With the 2026 season officially underway, Saturday night provides the Panthers with their first opportunity to put months of preparation into action.
GAME INFORMATION
Prairie View A&M at Tarleton State
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Time: 8 p.m. CT
Location: Tarleton Memorial Stadium | Stephenville, Texas
Series: First Meeting
Trophy: Chancellor's Cup
The Panthers will return to Texas ready to begin a new season, a new rivalry and the quest for another SWAC championship for the Labor Day Classic on Sept. 6.
#PVAMU #FTF #FinishTheFight
