The Ohio Valley Conference released its preseason poll on Thursday and the Lindenwood football team was picked third after receiving a total of 37 points and one first place vote.

UT Martin was picked to finish atop the league and earned six of the seven first-place votes for a total of 47 points. SEMO garnered the other top vote and got 38 points was selected second. Lindenwood was just behind them with 37 points, good for third. Gardner-Webb rounded out the top four, followed by Charleston Southern, Western Illinois, Eastern Illinois, and Tennessee State.

Lindenwood will open the season at home for the first time since 2023 in an OVC matchup with Charleston Southern on Thursday, August 27. The Lions defeated the Buccaneers in comeback fashion, 35-28 a season ago.

A trip to Stony Brook, N.Y. for a matchup with the Seawolves on September 3 kicks off a three-game road trip. The other two games are against FBS schools in Missouri State (September 12), and Eastern Michigan (September 26).

Following a week off, Lindenwood returns home for another edition of the Game Ball Brawl with SEMO on October 10. The Lions have won the battle for the trophy each of the last two seasons. The Black and Gold will then hit the road to take on Eastern Illinois on October 17.

The Lions come home the following week and will welcome first-year program Chicago State to St. Charles for homecoming. Lindenwood concludes a short homestand in a game with Tennessee State on October 31.

Lindenwood hits the road for two straight starting in Boiling Springs, N.C. for a matchup against Gardner-Webb on November 7, followed by a game with UT Martin on November 14. The Lions will finish out the regular season at home against Western Illinois on November 21.

Season tickets and three-game mini plans for the 2026 Lindenwood football season are on sale now and available for purchase at lindenwoodlions.com/tickets. By becoming a season ticket holder, you'll unlock a host of exciting benefits designed to enhance your game day experience and show our appreciation for your unwavering support.

2026 OVC Football Predicted Order of Finish
1. UT Martin (6 first-place votes)          47 points
2. Southeast Missouri (1)                     38
3.  Lindenwood (1)                             37
4. Gardner-Webb                                 30
5. Charleston Southern                        26
6. Western Illinois                                 23
7. Eastern Illinois                                  14
8. Tennessee State                                 9