The University of Louisville football program will open the 2026 season with a neutral-site matchup against the University of Mississippi, the schools announced Wednesday.
The game, set for Sept. 5 or Sept. 6, will be played at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., and televised nationally on ESPN.
“We are excited to partner with Ole Miss, ESPN, and Nashville Sports Council to bring this season-opening matchup to Nashville,” said UofL Director of Athletics/Vice President Josh Heird. “This contest presents a tremendous opportunity for our program, our student-athletes, and our fans. Nashville is home to a strong Cardinals presence, and showcasing Louisville Football in a premier venue on a national stage is something we wholeheartedly embrace.”
Heird added, “Jeff Brohm has never shied away from playing a challenging non-conference schedule and is always willing to face anyone in the country. His approach reflects the competitive spirit we want at Louisville—embracing opportunities to compete against elite programs and preparing our football team for the highest level of competition. That mindset not only strengthens our program but also excites our fan base and elevates the national profile of Louisville Football.”
The contest will mark the second all-time meeting between the Cardinals and Rebels, both played at neutral sites. The programs last squared off in the 2021 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where Ole Miss earned a 43–24 victory.
Louisville also has history at Nissan Stadium, having faced Western Kentucky there in a neutral-site game during the 2019 season.
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