HENNIKER, N.H. - The New England College football team announced their schedule for the 2026 season on Monday, the Pilgrims' second season back in action on the gridiron. 

The 'Grims open the preseason with another scrimmage against Dean College on August 26th, however this year the exhibition will take place on their home field. 

Just as they did last season, NEC opens the season against Plymouth State on September 5th at 12:00 PM. The intra-state matchup heads up I-93 to Panther Field as the Pilgrims kick off year two. The team plays two more non-conference games against familiar opponents, traveling to MIT on September 12th before hosting Fitchburg State on September 19th at 12:00 PM in their home opener. 

The Pilgrims begin Conference of New England (CNE) action on September 26th as they welcome Nichols to town for a 2:00 PM kickoff as part of NEC's Fall Festival and Alumni Weekend. On October 3rd, the team visits Curry College just before the team's bye week on October 10th. After the week off, NEC returns home to face Husson on October 17th. 

On October 24th, the 'Grims travel to Castine, Maine for a rematch against Maine Maritime at 11:00 AM. A season ago, the Pilgrims defeated the Mariners, 14-10, earning their first victory in over 70 years. The following weekend, NEC wraps up the month of October with a home matchup against Western New England. 

The team will meet the reigning CNE champions Endicott in Beverly, Massachusetts on November 7th. The Pilgrims return home for their season finale against the University of New England with the second edition of the Battle of Route 202 kicking off at 12:00 PM. 

The Pilgrim's full schedule can be found here. 

For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.