ATLANTA — Georgia State football announced its 2026 non-conference schedule Tuesday, 

The 2026 Non-conference schedule features a mix of home contests, in-state competition and a road test against a Big 12 opponent.

The Panthers will open non-conference play on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Center Parc Credit Union Stadium against North Carolina A&T, marking the first time the two programs have ever met on the gridiron.

Following the home opener against NCA&T, the Panthers hit the road the following week for a matchup at Kennesaw State. While this contest marks game one for the home-and-home series, a deal finalized in early 2025, this game marks the second time the two teams have met in program history. The Panthers and Owls have met once time previously, when Georgia State defeated Kennesaw State 24-20 in the 2018 season opener. 

Georgia State will close then travel to Orlando to face UCF on Sept. 19 before closing out the non-conference slate with a home game against Northern Illinois on Sept. 26. The Panthers will face both UCF and NIU for the first time. 

All 2026 Sun Belt Conference games will be announced at a later date. 

2026 Georgia State football non-conference schedule
Sept. 5 — vs. NC A&T
Sept. 12 — @ Kennesaw State
Sept. 19 — @ UCF
Sept. 26 — vs. NIU