Where to watch Mercer vs. East Texas A&M: channel, time, TV schedule, live stream for 2026 FCS Kickoff game originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
College football is finally back, and the FCS is kicking off with a matchup between Mercer and East Texas A&M this weekend at Five Star Stadium.
This matchup is highly anticipated for Week 1 of the FCS, and for Mercer, it will mark the first game with new head coach Joel Taylor calling plays. Taylor completely overhauled the roster upon joining the program, bringing more than 75 new players to Macon, Georgia.
Meanwhile, East Texas A&M will be on the road for its season debut. Head coach Clint Dolezel is back for his fourth year, despite being on the hot seat for producing three losing seasons. Thirty-four newly signed players bring hope to the program though, helping to fill gaps across the defense and offensive lines.
Who will prevail in the FCS Kickoff Game?
Here's everything you need to know about Mercer vs. East Texas A&M, including TV channel and streaming options for the college football matchup.
TV channel:ESPN
The season-opener between Mercer and East Texas A&M will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Cord-cutters and those without cable can stream the action live on fubo and DIRECTV which both offer free trials for new users, or the ESPN app .
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Date:Saturday, Aug. 29
Time:7 p.m. ET | 6 p.m. CT
Mercer vs. East Texas A&M will take place on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. ET from Five Star Stadium in Macon, Georgia.
Here's a look at the Bears' next five matchups.
| Date |
Matchup |
Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 29 |
vs. East Texas A&M |
7 p.m. |
| Sept. 5 |
vs. Presbyterian |
6 p.m. |
| Sept. 12 |
vs. Furman |
6 p.m. |
| Sept. 19 |
at Georgia Tech |
Noon |
| Sept. 26 |
at Abilene Christian |
8 p.m. |
Here's a look at the Lions' next five matchups.
| Date |
Matchup |
Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 29 |
at Mercer |
7 p.m. |
| Sept. 5 |
at SFA |
7 p.m. |
| Sept. 12 |
vs. Northwestern State |
7 p.m. |
| Sept. 19 |
at Tulsa |
8 p.m. |
| Sept. 26 |
at McNeese |
7 p.m. |
