WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.- In his first season leading his alma mater, head coach Tory Woodbury will guide Winston-Salem State University football through a 2026 schedule that features five home games at Bowman Gray Stadium, key CIAA matchups and a highly anticipated Homecoming showdown.

"I'm super excited about finding out where we stand as a team early in the season," said head coach Tory Woodbury. "Our schedule allows us to compete against good competition right away as we establish our identity. Then of course the CIAA competition itself is always top notch! I can't wait!"

The Rams open the season on the road at Norfolk State University on Aug. 29 before returning home for their home opener against Mars Hill University on Sept. 5. Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) play will begin with the Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University coming to town on Sept. 12.

WSSU will then travel to Salisbury, North Carolina to take on Livingstone College on Sept. 19, followed by a trip to Petersburg, Virginia to take on Virginia State University on Sept. 26.

The Rams kick-off October by hosting Bowie State University on Oct. 10 and Bluefield State University on the 17. To close out the month, the Rams will travel to Lincoln University (Pa) on Oct. 24 and then head to Elizabeth City State University on the 31 for a Halloween math-up.

WSSU will welcome the Broncos of Fayetteville State University for its Forever Red Homecoming match-up on Nov. 7.

The CIAA Championship will take place on Nov. 14 at Durham County Stadium in Durham, North Carolina.

Game times, ticket information, and broadcast details will be announced at a later date. Fans are encouraged to follow WSSU Athletics and WSSU Football on social media for updates throughout the offseason