Salisbury Football Looks to Build on Another Championship-Caliber Season with Challenging 2026 Schedule

SALISBURY, Md. — One of Division III football’s premier programs is preparing for another season with national championship aspirations.

Head coach Sherman Wood and the Salisbury Sea Gulls have announced their 2026 football schedule, featuring a challenging mix of regional rivals, New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) opponents, and non-conference matchups that should once again position Salisbury among the nation’s elite. After finishing 10-2 in 2025, advancing to the NCAA Division III Tournament, and continuing one of the most successful stretches in program history, expectations remain high entering the new campaign.

The Sea Gulls have long been known for their physical rushing attack, disciplined defense, and consistent success under Wood, who has built Salisbury into one of the winningest Division III football programs in the country.

2026 Schedule

August 29 – at Washington and Lee

September 12 – vs. McDaniel

September 26 – vs. Catholic

October 3 – at TCNJ*

October 10 – at Kean*

October 17 – vs. Christopher Newport

October 24 – vs. Rowan*

October 31 – at William Paterson*

November 7 – vs. Montclair State*

November 14 – at Rutgers-Newark*

*NJAC game.

Key Games to Watch

Season Opener at Washington and Lee – August 29

Salisbury opens the season on the road against a respected Washington and Lee program. The matchup immediately provides a measuring stick for both teams and could have an impact on the national rankings before conference play even begins.

Home Opener vs. McDaniel – September 12

The Sea Gulls return to Sea Gull Stadium for their home opener against longtime Maryland rival McDaniel College. Salisbury has traditionally controlled this series, but rivalry games always bring extra intensity.

Catholic Returns to Salisbury

Catholic has become a familiar non-conference opponent, giving the Sea Gulls another opportunity to tune up before the heart of the NJAC schedule begins.

Christopher Newport Showdown

One of the marquee non-conference contests comes in mid-October when Christopher Newport visits Salisbury. The regional rivalry has produced several memorable games and often features two nationally ranked Division III programs.

Conference Championship Race

The Sea Gulls once again face a difficult NJAC slate.

Road trips to TCNJ, Kean, William Paterson, and Rutgers-Newark will test Salisbury away from home, while Rowan and Montclair State headline the conference home schedule.

Every conference game will carry postseason implications as Salisbury looks to reclaim another NJAC championship and secure an NCAA playoff berth.

Program Built for Success

Few Division III programs can match what Salisbury has accomplished over the past two decades.

Under Sherman Wood, the Sea Gulls have become annual conference contenders while making deep NCAA Tournament runs. The program consistently ranks among the national leaders in rushing offense, total defense, and winning percentage.

Sea Gull Stadium remains one of the toughest places to play in Division III football, and Salisbury once again expects to contend for both conference and national honors in 2026.

Maryland Sports Blog Take

Salisbury once again has the schedule to prove it belongs among Division III’s elite.

The non-conference games should prepare the Sea Gulls for another demanding NJAC race, while contests against Christopher Newport, Rowan, and Montclair State could ultimately shape both the conference championship picture and the NCAA playoff field.

If Salisbury plays to its standard, another double-digit win season and postseason appearance are well within reach.

Sources

• Salisbury University Athletics
• D3football.com
• ESPN College Football