🏟️ Game Information
Gardner-Webb (7-5 in 2025) at Austin Peay (7-5)
Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Fortera Stadium | Clarksville, TN
TV/Stream: ESPN+
🔄 Last Updated: May 26, 2026
Previewing the Matchup
The Kris McCullough coaching era kicks off for Gardner-Webb football with a Thursday night road trip to Austin Peay in Week 0. The Governors play in the United Athletic Conference, a partnership formed between the ASUN and WAC. Gardner-Webb is a member of the OVC/Big South Football Association.
The two teams last met in 2023 in a non-conference clash in Tennessee. Austin Peay pulled away in the second half for a 41-14 victory. The loss left Gardner-Webb 2-4, but the Runnin’ Bulldogs reeled off five victories in a row to capture the Big South/OVC football championship.
Gardner-Webb won the only other meetings with Austin Peay, beating the Governors 31-15 in 2008 and 20-13 in 2007.
Austin Peay has been generating preseason headlines as a potential top-15 team in 2026. In April, Sports Illustrated pegged the Governors as one of five teams who could “shake up the FCS playoff picture.”
Austin Peay won seven games last season, including upsetting FBS Middle Tennessee State. Quarterback Chris Parson makes them go. The former Mississippi State player logged 3,003 passing yards, 23 passing TDs, 743 rushing yards and 14 rushing TDs in 2025.
Facing Austin Peay will mark the first of three road games for GWU to start the 2026 campaign. The Runnin’ Bulldogs will play five of their first six contests away from home.
🔗 Quick Links
- Gardner-Webb schedule
OVC/Big South Football Association standings - 2026 week-by-week schedule
- North Carolina college football scores
📝 Game Recap
Check back after the game for a recap, notes and observations.
