A Guide to Citadel Football | History & the 2026 Season
August 14, 2026
August 14, 2026
Few traditions in Charleston have stood the test of time quite like Citadel football. Since taking the field for the first time in 1905, Bulldog football has brought together generations of cadets, alumni, military families, and Lowcountry residents each fall. Home games at Johnson Hagood Stadium, located on The Citadel's historic campus, offer one of the most unique college football experiences in the country.
Citadel football is known for its traditions, leadership, and military heritage. Unlike most college football programs, game day at The Citadel begins with the South Carolina Corps of Cadets marching into Johnson Hagood Stadium in full dress uniform. This longstanding tradition, accompanied by military pageantry and precision, creates an atmosphere unlike any other in college football and reflects the values of honor, discipline, and service that define the college.
The 2026 season begins on August 29th with an away game at Wofford before returning home for the first game at Johnson Hagood Stadium on September 12th. To view the full 2026 Citadel football schedule, visit the Citadel Sports website.
The first home game of the season is always one of the most anticipated events on The Citadel's football calendar, second only to Homecoming Weekend. This year's opener is especially exciting as it marks the only night game at Johnson Hagood Stadium during the 2026 season.
The matchup against Charleston Southern has quickly developed into one of the area's most exciting local rivalries. In 2024, Head Coach Maurice Drayton introduced the Lowcountry Boil Bowl, a rivalry tradition celebrating two Charleston-area programs while embracing one of the Lowcountry's most iconic meals. The game has since become an annual celebration of local pride, bringing together fans from across the Charleston region.
The evening also serves as the program's annual Military Appreciation Game, honoring active-duty service members, veterans, and military families whose commitment reflects the values at the heart of The Citadel.
Parents' Weekend offers families the opportunity to experience cadet life firsthand while cheering on the Bulldogs at Johnson Hagood Stadium. It is also one of the most meaningful weekends of the academic year because it coincides with Ring Weekend.
The Citadel Ring represents one of the institution's most cherished traditions. During Ring Weekend, eligible juniors receive their class rings in a formal ceremony before celebrating with family, friends, and fellow cadets. For many alumni, receiving the Citadel Ring marks one of the most memorable milestones of their college experience, making this weekend especially significant both on and off the football field.
Homecoming Weekend consistently draws one of the largest crowds of the season as Bulldog alumni return to campus from across the country. Throughout the weekend, former cadets reconnect with classmates, attend campus events, and gather at Johnson Hagood Stadium to cheer on The Citadel.
The matchup against Southern Conference rival Furman adds even more excitement to an already festive atmosphere, making Homecoming one of the best weekends to experience Citadel football.
Although the Military Classic of the South will be played on the road in 2026, it remains one of the most meaningful rivalries in college football.
Dating back to 1920, the rivalry between The Citadel and Virginia Military Institute is one of the oldest continuous football series between two senior military colleges. Each year, the winner earns possession of the Silver Shako, a ceremonial military hat that symbolizes the deep traditions shared by both institutions.
More than a football game, the Military Classic of the South celebrates over a century of military heritage, mutual respect, and spirited competition.
Johnson Hagood Stadium is entering an exciting new chapter with the ongoing East Side renovation project. The improvements will replace the temporary visitor-side bleachers with permanent seating, upgraded amenities, improved accessibility, and a better overall game-day experience for fans. While preserving the stadium's rich history and traditions, these updates reflect The Citadel's continued investment in its football program and the future of Bulldog athletics.
Whether you're attending your first Bulldogs game or returning to Johnson Hagood Stadium as an alumnus, Citadel football offers an experience unlike any other. From the Corps of Cadets marching onto the field to longstanding rivalries and cherished campus traditions, every game celebrates the history, leadership, and community that have defined The Citadel for more than 120 years.
Handsome Homes
Transforms property buying and selling into a thoughtful, curated, and highly personalized experience, expertly tailored to Charleston’s luxury, historic, and exclusive real estate markets.