MACON, Ga. – The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced its 2026 football television schedule, and the Benedict Tigers will appear five times on ESPN platforms.
 
The Tigers, who went 10-3 overall last season, advanced to the SIAC championship game and won their first-ever NCAA playoff game, will play a Thursday night nationally-televised ESPN2 contest at Tuskegee on Sept. 24.
 
Benedict will also be featured in four games on ESPN+, the ESPN streaming platform, including a pair of home games – the Homecoming contest against Edward Waters on Oct. 17, and a Halloween showdown against Savannah State. They will also play two road games that will be featured on ESPN+ - Sept. 19 at Fort Valley State and Oct. 24 at Albany State in a rematch of last year's SIAC title game.
 
The league announced a total of 23 games that will be available on ESPN platforms. For a complete list, visit thesiac.com
 
"Our relationship with ESPN remains steadfast as we continue our mission to enhance the visibility of our member institutions and the extraordinary student-athletes who represent them," said SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman, Ed.D. "The 2026 season marks a new era of opportunity, and as we embark on our sixth year with ESPN, we eagerly anticipate an unforgettable season that will showcase the legacy, competitive fervor and resilience that define SIAC football."
 
Benedict will open the season on Aug. 29 in a home contest against Johnson C. Smith in the "Battle of the Border Classic." Tickets are available at benedicttickets.com.