Central Michigan University Athletics
Photo by: Lauren Verellen '26 - @laurenverellen_photography
Football Scrimmage Set for Friday at 5:45 p.m.
8/19/2026 8:00:00 AM | Football
Fans will get their first glimpse of the 2026 Central Michigan football team as the Chippewas host their first fall scrimmage on Friday at 5:45 p.m.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—Fans will get their first look at the 2026 Central Michigan Football team as the Chippewas will host an open fall scrimmage on Friday, Aug. 21 beginning at 5:45 p.m. at Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium, CMU Athletics and head coach Matt Drinkall announced. Admission is free, please enter through Northwest Stadium gates. Gates open at 4:15 p.m. Parking is available in lots 62W and 62E.
Following is a list of what fans can expect at the 2026 preseason scrimmage:
Friday's fall scrimmage will mark the 14th of 21 fall preseason practices, which began on August 5. Central Michigan welcomed 110 players to preseason practice, including 37 newcomers. The Chippewas return 13 players who made starts and a host of others who saw extensive action in 2025.
League coaches picked Central Michigan to finish fifth in the 12-team Mid-American Conference. The Chippewas are picked by preseason publications to finish anywhere between the No. 3 and No. 6 spot in the league standings. Under Matt Drinkall, the Chippewas are coming off a 2025 season which saw them advance to a bowl game for the first time in four years (since 2021), register a 7-6 overall record, including 7-3 vs. non-Power-4 opponents, and finish in fifth place in the MAC with a 5-3 league record.
Central Michigan opens its 2026 football season at New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 5. Kickoff is at 10 p.m. ET/8 p.m. MT for an FS1 nationally televised game.
Central Michigan's 2026 football schedule was announced on March 24. Click here to access the schedule. The Chippewas will play six home games at Kramer/Deromedi Field, including five early-season contests in September and October. Central Michigan will play its home opener against Football Championship Subdivision opponent Colgate on Saturday, Sept. 12, then host Wyoming on Saturday, Sept. 19. The Chippewas will open MAC play with the annual Homecoming Game vs. Akron on Saturday, Oct. 3, followed by home games against rival Western Michigan (Saturday, Oct. 17), Miami, Ohio (Saturday, Oct. 24), and first-year MAC football member Sacramento State (Wednesday, Nov. 11).
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Following is a list of what fans can expect at the 2026 preseason scrimmage:
- Visit the Fan Central tent located near the main north entrance for free rosters, 2026-27 sports posters, season ticket holder yard signs, and other giveaways.
- Following the scrimmage, CMU Football players will be available for autographs inside the Chippewa Champions Center.
- CMU Athletics ticket office personnel will be available at the Northwest Box Office from 5:30-7 p.m. to assist fans with purchasing or renewing 2026 Chippewa football season tickets. The ticket booth is located near the Northwest Entrance. For those who prefer to purchase online, season tickets can also be purchased at this link.
- Chippewa Athletic Fund staff members will provide tours to fans interested in premium seating (club seats, loge boxes, suites, or Isabella Bank VIP Club) options for the upcoming season.
Friday's fall scrimmage will mark the 14th of 21 fall preseason practices, which began on August 5. Central Michigan welcomed 110 players to preseason practice, including 37 newcomers. The Chippewas return 13 players who made starts and a host of others who saw extensive action in 2025.
League coaches picked Central Michigan to finish fifth in the 12-team Mid-American Conference. The Chippewas are picked by preseason publications to finish anywhere between the No. 3 and No. 6 spot in the league standings. Under Matt Drinkall, the Chippewas are coming off a 2025 season which saw them advance to a bowl game for the first time in four years (since 2021), register a 7-6 overall record, including 7-3 vs. non-Power-4 opponents, and finish in fifth place in the MAC with a 5-3 league record.
Central Michigan opens its 2026 football season at New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 5. Kickoff is at 10 p.m. ET/8 p.m. MT for an FS1 nationally televised game.
Central Michigan's 2026 football schedule was announced on March 24. Click here to access the schedule. The Chippewas will play six home games at Kramer/Deromedi Field, including five early-season contests in September and October. Central Michigan will play its home opener against Football Championship Subdivision opponent Colgate on Saturday, Sept. 12, then host Wyoming on Saturday, Sept. 19. The Chippewas will open MAC play with the annual Homecoming Game vs. Akron on Saturday, Oct. 3, followed by home games against rival Western Michigan (Saturday, Oct. 17), Miami, Ohio (Saturday, Oct. 24), and first-year MAC football member Sacramento State (Wednesday, Nov. 11).
Follow Central Michigan Football: TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
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