BOONE, N.C. – Appalachian State’s 2025 football schedule is officially set, and the 12-game slate features a mix of marquee matchups, conference showdowns and primetime opportunities.
The season kicks off under the lights on Friday, Aug. 29, when the Mountaineers take on Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium in the Duke’s Mayo Classic. The matchup at the home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers provides a high-profile stage for first-year head coach Dowell Loggains and his new staff.
Other highlights include a Thursday night rivalry clash with Georgia Southern on Nov. 6, a non-conference trip to Boise State on Sept. 27, and an intriguing home game against Oregon State on Oct. 4, making the Beavers the first-ever Pac-12 team to visit Kidd Brewer Stadium.
App State’s 2025 Schedule at a Glance
📆 Friday Night Kickoff: Aug. 29 vs. Charlotte (Bank of America Stadium)
🏔 Home Opener: Sept. 6 vs. Lindenwood (FCS)
🛫 Cross-Country Showdown: Sept. 27 at Boise State
🏡 Pac-12 Test at The Rock: Oct. 4 vs. Oregon State
⚔ Thursday Night Rivalry: Nov. 6 vs. Georgia Southern
🏆 Sun Belt Championship Game: Dec. 6 (If Qualified)
Marquee Matchups to Watch
🏟️ Friday Night Showdown in Charlotte (Aug. 29)
App State’s Friday night opener against Charlotte is not just an in-state battle—it’s a chance for the Mountaineers to shine on a national stage in a game expected to be featured in primetime on an ESPN network.
The Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium adds to the excitement, as App State will try to move to 4-0 all-time against the 49ers. The last meeting came in 2020, a 35-20 Mountaineers triumph. Charlotte also will debut a new coaching staff as the Tim Albin era begins in the Queen City.
💥 Thursday Night Rivalry vs. Georgia Southern (Nov. 6)
The App State-Georgia Southern rivalry has delivered plenty of drama over the years, and the 2025 edition will take place on a Thursday night at Kidd Brewer Stadium. This marks a change from recent seasons, where the two teams had closed the regular season against each other.
The Eagles are one of App State’s longest-standing rivals — even from FCS days — making this a must-watch midweek game on the Sun Belt’s nationally televised slate. Georgia Southern clipped the Mountaineers 29-20 in last year’s finale, keeping ASU out of bowl contention.
✈️ Non-Conference Clash at Boise State (Sept. 27)
Two of the winningest Group of Five programs of the past decade meet in what could be one of the best G5 non-conference games of 2025. App State and Boise State have combined for multiple conference championships and bowl victories over the past decade.
The trip to the blue turf of Albertsons Stadium presents a high-stakes road challenge, and a win here would boost App State’s standing in the national conversation. Boise State is coming off a Mountain West championship and an appearance in the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff.
🏡 Pac-12 Invades Boone: Oregon State Comes to The Rock (Oct. 4)
While the newly revamped Pac-12 may have lost its prestige and status as a ‘Power Five’ conference, Oregon State will bring P5 vibes to Kidd Brewer Stadium.
The Beavers, who also play Wake Forest in 2025, have been one of the most resilient programs in college football, navigating realignment to continue competing at a high level.
The game is mutually beneficial to both teams. Oregon State lost most of its schedule when Pac-12 partners split for other leagues. App State needed a replacement when NC State opted to cancel its 2025 visit to the High Country.
ASU has taken down several P5 teams over the years, and this matchup could provide another statement win for the Mountaineers.
Sun Belt Storylines: What To Watch For In 2025
The 2025 Sun Belt football season is shaping up to be another highly competitive year, as the league continues to solidify its status as one of the top Group of Five conferences.
🏆 Championship-Caliber Play – The Sun Belt has had multiple 10-win teams in each of the last seven seasons, proving its depth. Marshall won the league a year ago. App State has played in four Sun Belt championship games (2-2 record) since joining the league.
🚀 Power Five Upsets – Since 2016, Sun Belt teams have knocked off 22 Power Five opponents, with 11 of those wins coming since 2022. App State joined that list most recently with a triumph at Texas A&M in 2023.
📺 Primetime Exposure – The conference’s midweek games on ESPN networks continue to be a major spotlight, with App State’s Thursday night game against Georgia Southern (Nov. 6) standing out as a premier matchup.
How App State Fits into the Sun Belt Race
App State competes in the Sun Belt East Division, which includes Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, James Madison, Marshall and Old Dominion. The West Division consists of Arkansas State, Louisiana, ULM, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Texas State and Troy. Reigning champ Marshall also will be under new leadership this season, with former NC State defensive coordinator Tony Gibson taking the reigns.
The Mountaineers face a challenging league schedule, with tough road tests at Southern Miss, Georgia State, Old Dominion and James Madison. If App State can navigate the conference slate successfully, they’ll be in the mix for the Sun Belt Championship Game on Dec. 6.
Full 2025 App State Football Schedule
📅 Fri., Aug. 29 – vs. Charlotte (Bank of America Stadium)
📅 Sat., Sept. 6 – vs. Lindenwood
📅 Sat., Sept. 13 – at Southern Miss*
📅 Sat., Sept. 27 – at Boise State
📅 Sat., Oct. 4 – vs. Oregon State
📅 Sat., Oct. 11 – at Georgia State*
📅 Sat., Oct. 18 – vs. Coastal Carolina*
📅 Sat., Oct. 25 – at Old Dominion*
📅 Thurs., Nov. 6 – vs. Georgia Southern*
📅 Sat., Nov. 15 – at James Madison*
📅 Sat., Nov. 22 – vs. Marshall*
📅 Sat., Nov. 29 – vs. Arkansas State*
📅 Sat., Dec. 6 – Sun Belt Championship Game (If Qualified)
*Denotes Sun Belt Conference Game
Stay Updated on App State & North Carolina College Football
Want to keep up with every game on App State’s 2025 schedule? Bookmark our Appalachian State Football Schedule page for quick access to kickoff times and TV listings (once they are announced), as well as game results throughout the season.
For die-hard college football fans across the state, we’re also compiling the most comprehensive schedule in North Carolina—featuring all 34 teams, all games, in one place. Check out our Master NC College Football Schedule to stay ahead of every matchup, from the FBS to FCS, D2, D3, NAIA and junior college.
Explore the team-by-team and composite game schedules for every Sun Belt Conference school.
🏈 Don’t miss a snap—follow NC Football News for updates, analysis and game-day coverage all season long! Post your App State takes at our Twitter/X channel here.🚀
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